Norwich City have signed winger Ali Ahmed from Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old Canada international scored for the Whitecaps in the 2025 MLS Cup – a match they eventually lost 3-1 to Sir David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
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He is the first signing by the Canaries since Philippe Clement was appointed as head coach in November and has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract, with an option for a further 12 months.
“I think for most of us Canadians, English football, whether it’s Premier League or Championship, they’re probably the first leagues you’re watching growing up as a young kid. That’s the reason why I’m excited to get over here and get a taste of that,” Ahmed told the Norwich website.
He has won 22 caps since his international debut in 2023 and is hoping to be part of the Canada squad for this year’s World Cup finals, which they are co-hosting with the US and Mexico.
Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper said: “He will add pace and threat in wide areas for us and he still has a lot of potential for further development and growth in his game.
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“Ali showed a real desire to make this move happen and we’re really pleased we’ve been able to get the deal done early in the January window.”
Norwich are 22nd in the Championship following Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by Stoke City.
‘He offers something different’ – analysis
by BBC Radio Norfolk summariser Simeon Jackson, former Norwich City and Canada player
“He plays on the left, he looks to go past people, I think we’ll probably use him in that capacity, but he can play in midfield as well.
“I see him offering something different and I’m delighted for him. Hopefully he hits the ground running and can help the squad.
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“I think every player has an ambition in England, the Championship, the Premier League. There’s always going to be that buzz and excitement around it if that comes up, you’re never going to turn that down.”
