Pundit Chris Sutton has blasted Jonathan Rowe for his “selfish behaviour” after missing Norwich City’s last two matches amid transfer interest from Leeds United and Marseille. The talented wide man withdrew from their Championship opener at Oxford United last weekend after informing head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup he was not in the right frame of mind to be considered for selection.
Rowe was also left out of the matchday squad for the midweek Carabao Cup win over Stevenage. He is currently training with the club’s Under-21s and will not be involved in their tussle with Blackburn Rovers this weekend.
United remain interested in signing Rowe but have yet to table a formal bid for the England Under-21 international. French club Marseille have so far seen two offers rejected for the player. Ligue 1 rivals Monaco have also been linked with a move for Rowe.
Sutton, who kicked off his professional career at Carrow Road, wrote in his column for The Pink Un: “Rowe isn’t coming out of this at all well. He is a badge kisser and often declared his undying love for the club. That will be fake to Norwich supporters who have done nothing but adore and praise him. It’s selfish behaviour. People will look at him in a different light. It’s his team-mates, ultimately, who have paid the price.
“Players are happy to sign contracts at clubs, and it’s the way of the world that you adhere to it. It’s his prerogative if he wants a move away and few would begrudge him the opportunity to go to Marseille, but there is no reason why he couldn’t play. I suspect Rowe will end up getting his wish, but it’ll be interesting if Marseille don’t up their bid to sign him because he will end up wasting precious time.
“Who knows, other suitors could be looking at this and thinking better of signing the winger. In my view, I think he would benefit from another year in the Championship. He’s a great finisher and an instinctive goal-scorer, but some of his combination play, physicality and creativity could all improve. You can blame advice all you like, and he’s a young man, but he makes the call. It’s a poor one. It isn’t helpful for anyone.”
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