Two Championship promotion contenders are vying to secure the signature of former Burnley winger Anass Zaroury, as both Norwich City and Coventry City have shown strong interest in the Morocco international.
Reports from France suggest the 24-year-old may be permitted to leave Ligue 1 club RC Lens this summer, just a year after arriving from Turf Moor. Zaroury joined Lens in a £4.5m transfer following a half-season loan at Hull City, but now faces uncertainty over his role under new manager Pierre Sage.
As the 2025/26 season approaches, both Norwich and Coventry are said to be closely monitoring the situation, aiming to secure a bargain deal for the gifted winger.
Canaries plot late-window push
New Norwich boss Liam Manning is reshaping his squad with purpose following his summer switch from Bristol City. His arrivals include Papa Amadou Diallo, Mathias Kvistgaarden and Jakov Medic, as well as three new goalkeepers. Despite the additions, Norwich are still open to strengthening their attacking depth, especially amid the uncertainty around Josh Sargent’s future.
Manning previously worked with Zaroury at SK Lommel in Belgium and is believed to be a major driving force behind Norwich’s interest. Zaroury’s technical skill and ability to play on either wing would fit seamlessly into Manning’s possession-based setup, especially with the Canaries likely to operate in a back-three system this season.
Coventry aiming to upgrade wide options
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard is also keen to add more firepower as he builds a side capable of returning to the play-offs. The Sky Blues narrowly missed out on the final last season and are looking to improve their attacking width, having already added Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Carl Rushworth.
Zaroury would represent a marquee addition, bringing Championship pedigree and international experience. He would also add natural width to a squad that has, at times, lacked creativity from wide areas in recent seasons.
Zaroury’s journey: from Lommel to Lens
Zaroury began his professional career with Lommel SK in Belgium, where his performances under Manning earned him a move to Charleroi. He then made the jump to England with Burnley in the summer of 2022 and played a key role in Vincent Kompany’s title-winning side in the Championship.
However, after limited opportunities in the Premier League, he was loaned to Hull City in January 2024 before sealing a move to France. While he featured regularly for Lens, scoring twice in 28 appearances last season, the managerial change has left his future up in the air.
Several clubs are said to be circling, including Espanyol and Panathinaikos, but Norwich and Coventry are currently leading the chase for the winger, who still has three years remaining on his contract at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 Ligue 1 (RC Lens):
• 28 league appearances, 2 goals
• 1,379 minutes played
• 16 starts, 12 substitute appearances
• Average match rating: 6.62
• Pass accuracy: 82%
• Dribbles completed per 90: 2.1
• Shot-creating actions per 90: 3.8
🟨 ZONE RUMOURED
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