Ipswich Town column: Plenty to like about transfer of Marcelino Nunez from Norwich City as Chilean reportedly nears Portman Road switch

On the one hand, I just can’t believe it. On the other, why wouldn’t a player want to jump ship and finally play for a big club in their career?! Marcelino Nunez looks set to do just that.

It sounds like the Chilean international is ready to do the unthinkable in Norfolk and trade 1992 UEFA Cup participants Norwich City for, well, I don’t even need to say it, do I?

Despite me struggling to control my laughter, I am going to try and look at this from a more balanced perspective and see exactly what central midfielder Town are adding to their ranks.

Now this is quite a difficult one. As Norwich City aren’t a team I watch – or like to see play often – I can’t say I know an abundance about Nunez.

From what I do know, Marcelino was clearly well regarded at Carrow Road, has a tenacious, hard-working attitude, backed up with quality on the ball. He also has ability from dead-ball situations – something Town learned for themselves in the last derby.

On paper, it looks a good signing and exactly the type of profile we need to bolster up the midfield.

Despite defeat at Preston, I thought that was Azor Matuiswa’s best performance in a Town shirt and do think he may benefit from somebody more aggressive around him.

The Canaries will tell you he’s injury prone and I guess we’ll have to take their word on that. However, Marcelino’s stats suggest he’s averaged 30-35 appearances a season for them. That isn’t awful, but it’s not the 40+ we’d ideally like.

That said, let’s not forget Jens Cajuste, who I can’t imagine will be able to play every week, so this may be perfect and another masterclass from Mark Ashton, Kieran McKenna and co.

I’d be delighted to see Nunez in a blue shirt and even if he only plays one minute of football, it would be worth it for the meltdown in Norfolk.

But on the pitch, he looks like a player too. Right age, good attributes and one that will make us stronger and them lot considerably weaker. What’s not to like?!