Norwich City have officially completed the signing of Nottingham Forest’s highly rated midfielder Lewis O’Brien, beating strong competition from Championship rivals Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday. The Canaries have secured the 25-year-old on a three-year contract, with the deal set to commence in June following the conclusion of the current campaign.
The agreement brings to an end weeks of speculation surrounding O’Brien’s future, with several clubs circling for his signature. However, Norwich moved decisively to finalize personal terms with the player and agreed on a club-to-club deal with Nottingham Forest believed to be worth around £4.5 million. The transfer marks a significant statement of intent from Norwich, who are looking to bolster their midfield ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Lewis O’Brien, who spent the latter part of this season on loan at Swansea City, had made it clear he wanted regular first-team football — something Norwich were quick to offer. His dynamic performances in the Championship and brief Premier League experience with Forest have made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the league.
Speaking after the deal was announced, Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper said:
“Lewis is a player we’ve admired for a long time. His work rate, technical ability, and Championship experience make him an ideal fit for our style of play and ambitions. We’re delighted to bring him to Carrow Road.”
O’Brien is expected to play a key role in Norwich’s midfield rebuild, offering box-to-box energy, creativity, and defensive discipline. His versatility also allows him to operate as a deep-lying playmaker or a more advanced central option, giving head coach David Wagner multiple tactical options.
In his first words as a Norwich City player, O’Brien expressed his excitement:
“I’m really happy to join such a big club with ambitions to get back to the Premier League. The project here is exciting, and I’m ready to give everything to help the team achieve success.”
The signing has been warmly received by the Norwich fanbase, who view O’Brien as a marquee addition to a squad with genuine promotion aspirations. With the summer transfer window just weeks away from opening, Norwich City have already laid down a marker — and Lewis O’Brien could be the key figure in their pursuit of top-flight football once again.
Photo: Lewis O’Brien signing his contract at Carrow Road, posing with the Norwich City shirt beside club officials. (Attach image her