Despite finishing the season with a 2-1 loss to Hull City, there is a good vibe at Carrow Road heading into the summer, with Norwich City owner Mark Attanasion reaffirming that sentiment.

Despite appearing to be serious relegation challengers at one point, Norwich clawed their way back up the league under Philippe Clement, with the Belgian performing an outstanding job to lead the Canaries to a ninth-place finish despite the circumstances.

Off-field criticism of sports director Ben Knapper over the summer transfer window was widespread at the start of the season, but with the firing of Liam Manning and the arrival of Clement, that rhetoric has nearly vanished.

The former Rangers and Monaco manager has used his expertise to help the Norfolk club finish only five points outside the play-offs, and with a solid January window to back up his efforts, hopes for next year are high.

Manning’s performance will have disappointed American owner Mark Attanasio, who worked relentlessly to sign him from Bristol City in the summer. However, with Clement in the dugout, he has set lofty goals for next season.

Mark Attanasio is eyeing immediate promotion to the Premier League with Norwich City next season.

Attanasio secured a full takeover of Norwich in early 2025, and while his first full season in charge hasn’t gone quite as planned, the US businessman remains hopeful about the club’s foreseeable future.

The 68-year-old already owns the Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball, but after acquiring Norwich, he has developed a strong interest in football.

Despite Norwich’s defeat to Hull on the final day, Attanasio expressed optimism for the club’s future and stated that their ambition goes beyond merely the play-offs.And I have to be careful when I say things like this because I am superstitious, and they can come back to bite you. Internally, the team’s aim is on achieving a top two ranking next year.Obviously, that will need a significant effort from the teams that may be falling behind, and everyone at the top will improve. The two more slots assist us, of course, but we want to make sure we put ourselves in a good position, and everything is geared toward that.”

The American seemed to understand how establishing high expectations can come back to haunt you, especially if you fall significantly short of them.

Clement, who left Rangers in February 2025, is expected to play a vital role in Norwich’s upcoming season, according to Attanasio.I understand that good processes lead to good performance. That has been a cornerstone of our investment strategy for the past 35 years. But I believe we have done more than simply appoint a talented manager in Philippe. Attanasio believes they have a remarkable manager.You need to pinch yourself a little. You need a bit of luck in sports, and we were fortunate to meet with Philippe and bring him in.”

Indeed, the owner’s belief will permeate the Canaries fanbase, with Norwich supporters seeing no reason why their team cannot compete for promotion next season.

With Clement’s ability to produce under challenging circumstances, and a complete pre-season and summer transfer window under his belt, Norwich might be even better next year, with the target set by the man at the top.

Philippe Clement will be eyeing a great season with Norwich City after Mark Attanasio’s remarks.

Clement’s first taste of English football came in November when he joined Norwich, and the Belgian had yet to complete a full year in the nation.

Despite this, he has demonstrated in his little time in the Championship that he is a more than adequate manager at this level, and if he is supported during the summer, Norwich fans will have plenty to be pleased about.

The January additions of Mohamed Toure, Ali Ahmed, and Paris Maghoma demonstrated his excellent transfer market ability, while the handling of Josh Sargent’s departure to Toronto could not have been better, with sporting director Knapper also deserving credit.

Attanasio hasn’t backed down from his ambitions for next season, and whether Norwich can make a genuine challenge for the top two at this time remains to be seen.