David Wagner is on the same page as Stuart Webber regarding a summer squad refresh at Norwich City.
Wagner is not done with this Championship campaign, despite one win in eight pushing them down to 10th and two points out of the play-off picture ahead of Russell Martin, and Swansea City’s, Carrow Road visit on Saturday.
Onel Hernandez’s new contract was announced on Friday, with City’s sporting director indicating the club ‘anticipate a number of changes’ in the upcoming window.
Wagner later revealed talks are in progress to try and keep attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell at Carrow Road.
Dowell faces a fitness battle to return this season from knee ligament damage but is another of those senior players, like Sam Byram, out of contract this summer.
“We are smart enough to know that wherever we will be next season we have to refresh, and we will refresh this group,” said the City boss. “This is not a shadow of a doubt. What does it exactly mean? We will see, but that it is necessary after the recent seasons is clear and obvious.
"This is what we will do, and we have done some of the first steps. There are a lot of things going on behind the scenes.
"We will work tirelessly to make sure that we get the faces in which we like to have, and which we hope and think can push us and help bring us forward. I have a much better picture on every individual than I had when I came into the building. And obviously this is something which will influence all of our decisions.”
Dowell had emerged as a key figure under the German’s guidance before his knee injury, while Byram has featured in the last few games after a lengthy lay-off.
“Kieran, we are in conversation with because I think it's like with Onel, the most important thing is now that he gets back to fitness. Then we will see,” said the City chief. “Sam wasn't playing for a long period as well.
"Now he is back and we have to see how everything progresses. There is nothing decided yet. They are experienced pros.
“Obviously it plays a big part where we will be in the next season as well. This is why I can't make any final decisions. First of all we have to make sure that we extend our season as long as possible.
"And then we can make further decisions.
"We have to make sure as well that we make clear there is a moment where you have to refresh and bring new faces in as well.
“What does it mean? Everything I could say now might not be the same idea maybe tomorrow, and this is why I think it makes no sense before anything is decided to speak too much.”
Wagner was keen to provide clarity on Hernandez’s status within his longer term strategy.
“I'm obviously over the moon, because this was one of our targets in the last weeks,” he said. “We wanted to make sure that he stays at the club. Since we came into the building he was one of the players, one of the offensive players, who produced numbers in terms of assists and goals, who always works hard, and who has a lot of space to improve.
“He's open to do this and has the willingness to do so. This is why we are very excited to go with him into the next two years.
"Hopefully, he can consistently produce the numbers which he has done in the past. A signing we wanted to get over the line.”
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