Athletic Club Bilbao and FC Porto are set to battle it out for Norwich City star Borja Sainz this summer.
That’s according to El Correo, who mention Porto’s interest when covering the La Liga club’s desire to sign the winger.
The 24-year-old joined Norwich City on a free transfer in June 2023 and has excelled for them. His performances improved in the recently concluded season, with 19 goals and four assists from 43 games.
Sainz was in Athletic’s youth system between 2012 and 2017, and they want to bring him back to the club.
The Norwich City player was spotted with Athletic managing director Mikel González in Bilbao recently, but the report states the meeting wasn’t transfer related. However, they are keen on signing him and have already made contact.
Athletic have to be wary of the competition from the Dragons, who are the first club to make a concrete approach.
El Correo state Porto sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has made an offer to both Sainz and the Canaries, which includes a long-term contract [five to six years].
As well as Athletic and Porto, clubs from Italy, Germany and Nottingham Forest are all interested in Sainz. The Reds, however, haven’t made any advances to try and sign him.
Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper has confirmed they have received offers for the Spaniard, but they haven’t met his valuation.
This should give Athletic hope to beat Porto for Sainz’s signature and they must step up if they want to have him in their squad next season.
