Liam Gibbs has signed a new longer term Norwich City contract ahead of the Championship kick-off.
The former Ipswich Town academy prospect, and the Canaries' young player-of-the-year last season, pledged his Carrow Road future until at least 2028, and will wear the number eight shirt for the new season.
The 20-year-old midfielder made 37 appearances in his breakthrough campaign, and notched his first senior goal in the Championship away win at Blackburn in April.
Gibbs, who had two years left on his previous Canaries' deal, hails from an Ipswich-supporting family, but swapped the Blues for their East Anglian rivals in July 2021.
“Absolutely a top talent and I'm very happy that we have him in our football club,” said City boss David Wagner, speaking in Austria to the Pinkun. “An academy product who needs to learn a lot, but we will support him, because not only is he a great talent but he is a very demanding character as well, who always likes to learn.
“He always likes to train in a very intelligent, quiet, but very intelligent way in terms of understanding his football. We are happy that we have him in our club.”
Gibbs was one of the few bright spots for the Canaries in his debut season at senior level, capped by his young player award.
“I’m very happy to have signed such a long-term deal with the club," he told City's official site.
“Every game I played (last season) I felt like I learned something. The more the season went on, the more comfortable I felt in the team. For me personally, scoring my first goal was the highlight of the season.
“If I can contribute more goals and more assists, and really help us push for promotion, that’s what I’m aiming to do.”
Sporting director Stuart Webber, also quoted on the club confirmation story, added: "We’re all delighted that Liam has committed his long-term future to the football club.
"This continues to show our dedication to the development of our young players.
“Liam has been top class since he walked into the training centre and deserves this recognition for both his quality and hard work."
Gibbs is in no doubt his move to Norwich was the right call.
"From when I arrived I had some great advice from people in the academy to help push me into that first team environment," he told the club's youtube channel. "Then obviously to be played is massive at such a young age. I am very grateful for that.
"Then you need your team mates on the pitch to support me, help me in training and demand the best from me. That is what gets the best out of me.
"I naturally gravitate to the younger players but the senior boys are brilliant with us; Ben Gibson, Grant (Hanley), Kenny (McLean). Great leaders and role models, and always pushing you to do your best."
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