Norwich City: Onel Hernandez signs new contract until 2025

The Cuban international has penned a new two-year contract at Carrow Road with the option to extend by a further year. 

Hernandez's contract was due to expire this summer but he will remain in Norfolk until 2025 with the club retaining an option of extending his stay for another year. 

Onel Hernandez - a fans' favourite (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Hernandez told City's official channels: “I’m very thankful and grateful to David [Wagner] and Stuart [Webber] for giving me a new chance to play for the club that I love.

“The last five years have been the greatest that I’ve had in football. The city, the people, the fans, the club, the team-mates I've had – there's nothing else in my career that I can say is better.

“I always try to give my best, I work on myself and I work hard.”

Sporting director Stuart Webber has indicated that Hernandez's new contract marks the start of a summer of change at Carrow Road. 

“Onel has worked hard since he walked through the door and is very much deserving of this new contract," City's chief said.

“He is a great character, as well as an experienced and talented player. We’re delighted to have him committed to us for a minimum of two additional years.

“As we set about shaping the squad for next season, where we anticipate a number of changes, it was decided by all that Onel has a big part to play with us.”

Hernandez joined City in January 2018 from German side Eintracht Braunschweig and has made 147 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals. 

The 30-year-old has played a key role in two Championship promotion-winning sides under Daniel Farke and became the first-ever Cuban to play in the Premier League. 

Loan spells away from Carrow Road followed when he joined Birmingham and Middlesbrough last season but he has been a regular under both Dean Smith and David Wagner this season.

Hernandez is a popular figure in the dressing room and among supporters and has spoken of his gratitude to Norwich after signing his new deal. 

"There were times in my football career when I thought it was done. I could never dreamt of coming to another country, playing in the Premier League. Then Stuart gave me a chance in my life, and my agent, who at that time was maybe one of the only people who believed in me.

"The main thing for me is I have a new purpose," Hernandez said. "I want to see this club in the Premier League. I know it is difficult at times.

"But when I came to the UK I wanted to go to the Premier League and I was so focused on that. It happened. For me, again, now with this new deal I would say I want this club in the Premier League and I will do everything I possibly can to make it happen along with my team mates."