Norwich City have completed a deal for Panamanian international Jose Cordoba.

The 23-year-old will officially join the Canaries at the start of the transfer window for an undisclosed move from Bulgarian club Levski Sofia - reported to be €3.5m.

Cordoba's transfer is subject to international clearance and approval by both the FA and EFL when the transfer window officially opens later this month. 

The left-sided centre-back, who was pursued by Scottish giants Rangers before opting to become the first Carrow Road signing of new boss Johannes Hoff Thorup, signed a four-year deal.

 "I see Norwich is like a family, and I was looking for something like that," the defender told City official channels. "The idea of the club and the feeling went directly to me and I felt that I had to make this choice."

Cordoba, who has 10 caps for his country, is currently with his international squad preparing for a World Cup qualifier at the start of a busy summer that also includes an appearance at the Copa America.

French clubs Lille and Brest plus Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise were also reportedly monitoring his progress. 

City's sporting director Ben Knapper has revealed that Cordoba has been a long-term target for the Canaries, with the 23-year-old being unveiled as the first addition of the Thorup era. 

"We’re delighted to welcome José and his family to Norwich City. ⁠He is a player we have been tracking for a long time and we think he fits really well with what we’re looking for," Knapper said. 

"As a person, he is extremely impressive, and he showed a big desire to join us here and be a part of our great club.

"⁠On the pitch, his combination of technical ability and athleticism gives him a great foundation, and we feel he still has big steps in his development to come.

"Under Johannes’ guidance, along with the rest of our staff, we feel sure we can help him achieve his potential.

"⁠We’re all really excited to work with José."

The Panamanian made 25 league appearances in Bulgaria last season, plus six appearances in the Europa Conference League, before Levski's exit at the hands of Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt at the qualifying stage. 

 

The defender had a brief spell in Spain earlier in his career, after starting out at Independiente, who are reportedly set for a sell on windfall in the region of 20pc following his original move to Bulgaria.

After initially joining Etar on loan in 2021, an agreement to take him to Levski Sofia became a permanent move in July 2022. 

Norwich are in the market for left-sided defensive reinforcements this summer following the departures of Ben Gibson, Dimi Giannoulis and Sam McCallum.

Thorup's former Nordsjaelland left-back, Martin Frese, is believed to be a target but the free agent has interest from across Europe.