Leeds United looking to buy Jonny Howson back from Norwich City

Jonny Howson just might be wearing the famous all-white kit again next season for Leeds United after all.

Reports are out today that the former Leeds captain is available from Norwich City for £5 million, with the Whites looking to secure the signature of the homegrown player to come back home to Elland Road. It was rumored before that Howson would be interested in a return to Leeds, and the latest news has increased the likelihood that such a transfer would take place. Howson reportedly rejected a new deal back in May, and has been linked to a switch back to Leeds ever since. It also sounds like the midfielder is not in the plans of new Norwich City boss Daniel Farke, and Leeds would be interested in having Howson come back home.

Howson was a popular player when he played for Leeds, and he remains one of the best-loved ex-players, having come up the ranks at Leeds and as a youth player. He was sold to Norwich City in 2012, when the Canaries were in the Premier League, and always seemed to relish coming back to play at Leeds in front of the fans. It would literally be a dream come true for the player and the fans for Howson to come back to play at Leeds.

Does this move make sense from a footballing perspective? With young Ronaldo Vieira breaking through to the first team and performing well this summer, the midfield might be crowded with Liam Bridcutt and Eunan O’Kane also established in the first team, central midfield isn’t necessarily a position of need for Leeds. Who cares.

The sale of Jonny Howson to Norwich represents everything that was wrong with the previous owners of Leeds. From Bates, to GFH Capital to Massimo Cellino, the previous owners did a terrible job of retaining talent at the club, always looking to cash in on players rather than build the side for a return to the Premier League. New owner Andrea Radrizzani would send a signal to all of the fans at Leeds if Howson is brought back to Elland Road. The message would be clear: “I’m different” it will say, “I am in this to get Leeds back to the Premier League, and not do this on the cheap.” While maybe £5 million may be a bit of an overpayment for Howson, the good will the move will bring is priceless.

Go get him, Orta and Christiansen. Bring Jonny home.