Norwich City confirm signing of Panamanian defender, as Johannes Hoff Thorup’s tenure gets underway

Norwich City have this afternoon (Wednesday, 5 June) confirmed the signing of 23-year-old highly rated Panamanian defender Jose Cordoba, after beating Scottish giants Rangers to the players’ signature.

The signing marks the first under new manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, who signed for the Canaries from Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjælland at the end of the 2023/24 season, with the 35-year-old manager being dubbed a “gem” by some fans for his strong attacking playstyle.

Cordoba, who currently has twelve caps for Panama and is set to feature for his country at this years’ Copa America tournament, the defender began his career at his local club, Independiente de La Chorrera, before signing for Spanish LaLiga side Celta Vigo, where he spent his time playing for the B team. A loan spell at Bulgarian side Etar Veliko Tarnovo gave the player an opportunity at Levski Sofia, where he has spent the last three seasons honing his craft.

Speaking to club media (canaries.co.uk), Cordoba feels and sees that “Norwich is like a family:

“I was looking for something like that.

“The idea of the club and the feeling went directly to me and I felt that I had to make this choice.”

Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper, formally of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal setup, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome José and his family to Norwich City. ⁠He is a player we have been tracking for a long time and we think he fits really well with what we’re looking for.

“As a person, he is extremely impressive, and he showed a big desire to join us here and be a part of our great club.

“⁠On the pitch, his combination of technical ability and athleticism gives him a great foundation, and we feel he still has big steps in his development to come.

“Under Johannes’ guidance, along with the rest of our staff, we feel sure we can help him achieve his potential.