Cheikh Niasse: Norwich eye move for Hellas Verona midfielder in Championship push

Cheikh Niasse, the Senegalese-French defensive midfielder currently at Hellas Verona, is being linked with a move to Championship side Norwich City as the English club look to reinforce the spine of their squad ahead of the new season.

Niasse, 26, is under contract with Verona until June 2029, meaning Norwich would need to negotiate a fee with the Serie B club to prise him away. His current market valuation stands at around 2m, which would represent a relatively modest outlay for a player with his top-flight and European experience.

The midfielder joined Verona permanently in July 2025 for around 3.5m after an initial loan from Young Boys, and went on to make 31 Serie A appearances for the club, contributing one assist. That run of games in Italys top tier has raised his profile among clubs seeking a physically imposing holding midfielder with experience in competitive environments.

Before moving to Italy, Niasse built his reputation in Switzerland with Young Boys, where he was part of back-to-back title-winning sides in 202223 and 202324 and featured in the Champions League. Earlier in his career he came through the ranks at Lille, progressing from youth level to the first team and collecting a French Super Cup winners medal in 202122.

Norwich are exploring options in central midfield after turning their focus to players with top-flight and European backgrounds, and Niasses contractual security at Verona places the Italian club in a strong negotiating position should talks progress.