Ex Hibs star shares 'conversations' over future as he enters free agency after axe by former Rangers boss
The former Hibs star is seeking his latest club a couple years on from leaving Hibs.
A former Hibs star has revealed the circumstances behind his exit from Norwich City, as he enters free agency.
Emiliano Marcondes impressed in a loan spell at Easter Road during the second half of the 2023/24 season. The Danish playmaker had experience in England with Bournemouth and Brentford but took until the October of 2024 to find a new club, Norwich City, shining through 11 goal contributions in 33 matches.
That triggered an extension in this season but minutes have grown limited under ex Rangers boss Philippe Clement and he’s featured just 17 times. The former Hibs star now leaves Carrow Road at the end of his contract, having had January options to depart the English Championship team, with free agency looming.
Why is Emiliano Marcondes leaving Norwich City?
Marcondes told Talk Norwich City: “In the beginning I played quite a lot under Philippe. He had a clear way and direction of changing the style and what he wanted to do. I think he made changes in the team, and it felt like he had arrived and this is the way he wants it. The players that were playing and their characteristics suited his style. I came in, I think, for the second game and started the third and fourth, just running a lot and fighting, and I think that was the direction he wanted.
“We had running tests and different gym tests as well, so there was a clear way of doing things. It was probably the biggest change for everyone. It felt like the train was going and you could jump on or be left behind, and I think everyone understood that. We also had a few injuries. I felt my hip from the season before, and that kept me out of some games, so I couldn’t play 90 minutes, which was frustrating because I felt I could have contributed more.
“I played some games, starting some and coming off the bench, but I liked the way we were playing. I just felt I could have played more minutes. Then January came and I only had six months left on my contract. The club were quite clear they wouldn’t extend it, and we had good conversations about it. I understood the direction. They also wanted to bring in new players in my position during the window, so I was told I wasn’t the priority.
Could Emiliano Marcondes have left Norwich City in January?
“I had some time to find a new club, and I wasn’t involved in the squad in January, which helped in a way. I had conversations with other clubs, and I was quite close to signing for one in January. In the end it just wasn’t the right thing. There were options in England and abroad, but going far away wasn’t ideal with my girlfriend pregnant.
“So, when the window shut, I was still hoping I could get back into the team if I got fit and sharp again. But at that point the team was winning every week, and it was difficult to break in. I was told I wasn’t the priority, so I understood it. I just hoped I could still get some minutes. In the end, that’s football. There was a lot that happened last season; it’s hard to take it all in.”
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