Well that, as they say, is that.
Wes Hoolahan and Robbie Brady are bound for the Championship after Sunderland’s win over Everton condemned Norwich to relegation.
Brady previously suffered relegated with Hull, while for Hoolahan, losing top-flight status will not be anything new either, having been demoted previously with the Canaries from the Premier League.
Norwich will need to trim off some of the fat as they prepare for life in the Championship, and the two Ireland international could be deemed surplus to requirements.
Hoolahan is 33, and may have to look further down the pecking order for first-team football next season, while Brady, at 24, could well be snapped up by a number of sides in the Premier League, or promoted sides looking to add top-flight experience to their squad.
We’ve speculated at the five sides who could be interested in either man this summer if they decide to leave Carrow Road.
Everton
Interested in: Robbie Brady
Leighton Baines is very much the man in possession of the number 3 jersey at present, but if Roberto Martinez leaves as expected, who knows what could happen or what new defensive system that may be employed.
Baines has endured a tough campaign, and Brady may fancy his chances of putting pressure on the England international if he moved to Merseyside.
Getting first-team-action may be tricky, but he could be indulged as an attacking wing-back in any possible formation change.
It also helps that there are several other Irish players in the Everton set-up at present to make him feel welcome.
Burnley
Interested in : Wes Hoolahan.
The Dubliner may lack the pace and stamina to feature every week, but he is still well able to do a job in the centre of the park as an impact substitute.
Newly promoted teams often struggle to create enough goal chances to secure points on the road, and Hoolahan may fit into a Burnley midfield anchored by Joey Barton.
Stephen Ward would also help his fellow Ireland international settle in nicely too.
Stoke City
Interested in – Robbie Brady
Another club with a serious Irish contingent, Brady would surely fancy his chances of dislodging Erik Pieters down the Stoke left.
The Dutchman does enjoy a great relationship with Marko Arnautovic at present, but with his future at the club likely to be under threat this summer from a number of clubs, there may be a chance for some fresh talent to join the squad.
It would be bad news for Marc Wilson however, which may make Brady uncomfortable, but his ability at set-pieces may also interest Mark Hughes.
Ipswich Town
Interested in – Wes Hoolahan
The Tractor Boys missed out on the play-off spots simply because they could not score enough.
Mick McCarthy’s side scored only two more goals that they conceded, 53-51, which is never a good sign. The slightly slower pace may suit Hoolahan, and working under McCarthy might be a nice way for him to finish his career before a move back to the Irish league.
Liverpool
Interested in – Robbie Brady
Jose Enrique’s departure means Liverpool need a new option at left back to challenge the erratic Alberto Moreno. Brady, at 24, would fit into the club’s philosophy of signing youthful players under the age of 27.
Brady was part of the Norwich defence on that chaotic day back in January that saw nine goals scored at Carrow Road, but his attacking instincts are slightly better placed than Moreno’s and his set-piece delivery could hardly be much worse than James Milner’s woeful efforts.
Unlikely, but it would be great to see an Irishman back at Anfield again playing regualr first-team football.
