Norwich City warned over one Shane Duffy "issue" if he leaves Carrow Road | OneFootball

Football League World's Canaries Fan Pundit has spoken about Shane Duffy's future as New York Red Bulls line up a move.

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's hopes of returning to the Premier League after three years away look to be all but over, and they relying on the sides above them in the Championship to drop points in the remaining weeks of the season to have any chance of finishing in the play-offs.

It's been an inconsistent first year for Johannes Hoff Thorup at Carrow Road, and after a bright start, his side struggled over the winter period as Josh Sargent worked his way back to full fitness following groin surgery, while Borja Sainz struggled to find the back of the net.

The Canaries have been involved in some of the most exciting games in the second tier this season, with their striker and winger providing plenty of goals between them, but their leaky defence has meant that they will more than likely miss out on a play-off place.

Work needs to be done in the summer for Norwich to have a chance at finishing in the top six next season, and reassessing the back line will be a priority for Thorup, with it looking as though he will already be without one of his centre-backs in 2025/26.

Norwich urged to let go of Shane Duffy on one condition

As per BBC Norfolk's Chris Reeve, MLS outfit New York Red Bulls have sent an offer to the Canaries for the services of veteran defender Shane Duffy.

The Republic of Ireland international has been a key player in the heart of the defence for Thorup this season, but at 33, it will only become tougher for him to keep his body physically prepared for the Championship and a move to the USA could be the perfect way for him to ease into retirement.

Football League World has asked their Norwich Fan Pundit, Zeke Downes, if he would be happy to let go of Duffy in the summer, with the offer an enticing one.

"I think now would be a good time to let Shane Duffy go," he started. "I wouldn't be against him staying for another season just to run down his contract, but if we get any sort of money that would be a help.

"The issue is it leaves us a bit light in the centre-back area because it's just Jose Cordoba and Ruairi McConville that are here right now. Obviously, we have used Callum Doyle there, but it's unlikely that he's going to come back next season.

"Then I would imagine that Brad Hills will be coming in and playing a part because he's once again looked really good out on loan."

Zeke continued: "So those are three players, but it leaves us a bit short, and we'd really want to bring in an experienced defender, but one that's more able to play our style of play and is a little bit less of a maverick.

"I think it's a good time for him to move on and go somewhere else and if he's got an offer from the MLS then why not? It might be a nice place for him to end his career."

If Norwich are aiming for the Premier League, Duffy may have to be let go

While Duffy has proven this season that he has enough quality to still compete in mid-table in the Championship, if Norwich want to take that next step, then they will have to find improvements on the likes of Duffy.

He turns 34 halfway through next season, and finding a younger, quicker and even stronger option at centre-back will only help the Canaries in their fight for a place in the Premier League.

Of course experience is useful, but Duffy himself may be keen on a new challenge and the MLS can provide that for him, with the opportunity to play against the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets on offer.

If they can find the correct replacement, then Norwich must let go of the veteran defender in the summer and move on from their current predicament.