Norwich City told to make bold Marcelino Nunez call ahead of potential summer interest | OneFootball

FLW's Norwich fan pundit fears Núñez could leave with one year left on his deal, but could he run his contract down instead?

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW fan pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Norwich City are preparing for another crucial summer as they look to reshape their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but one key decision could involve the future of Marcelino Nunez.

The Chilean international, who arrived at Carrow Road in the summer of 2022, has had flashes of brilliance during his time with the Canaries, particularly from dead-ball situations.

However, with just a year left on his current deal, questions are now being asked whether he will remain in Norfolk beyond the upcoming transfer window.

Norwich City: Marcelino Nunez tipped for summer exit due to contract situation

Despite Nunez offering a unique skillset to Norwich's midfield, FLW's Canaries fan pundit Zeke Downes believes that an exit for the 25-year-old is looking more likely than ever.

However, he wants Norwich to consider letting the South American midfielder run his contract down instead of cashing in on him, believing the money that would be made on a potential sale this summer wouldn't be too impactful when it comes to budgets.

"My gut feeling with Nunez was that he was going to stay, but now, realising that he has only got a year left on his contract, I can't imagine him being kept, because we could get a little bit of money for him now," Zeke told FLW.

"I don't see him signing a new deal with Onel Hernandez leaving, and Borja Sainz potentially, those are his mates. I don't see him wanting to be hanging around."

Speaking with Football League World earlier in the season, Zeke said: "It's clear how much talent he's got, and he is definitely one of the best midfielders in the league.

"But the issue is, we've had a lot of injuries, including himself; he's had two or three injuries himself."

Continuing, Zeke added that: "I think he will leave, but I am hoping that he won't and instead signs a new deal, or even if he plays out the last year of his contract, and we lose him for nothing because it is not as if we spent a lot of money on him anyway."

Nunez joined the Canaries from Club Deportivo Universidad Catolica in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of €3.9 million, as per the Eastern Daily Press.

Norwich City need to add midfield experience this summer if Marcelino Nunez is among exits

While Norwich's engine room is brimming with youthful energy, the experience that Nunez brings could be vital.

Kenny McLean brings a wise head into the engine room with plenty of experience, but that won't be enough to see Norwich forward over the next 12 months.

"He is worth having in the group," Zeke added in regards to Chilean playmaker Nunez.

"A lot of our midfield is very young, and he is a really good age at 25 now, with experience in this league.

"We know what he can do from set pieces, and with McLean possibly leaving, I think that we need a player like Nunez.

Ultimately, though, Zeke's prediction leans toward Nunez calling time on his spell in East Anglia, albeit with fingers crossed for an unlikely U-turn.