Norwich City manager Philippe Clement has personally contacted Balthazar Pierret as the Championship club competes with Middlesbrough to sign the Red Star midfielder this summer.
Pierret, 26, only joined the French Ligue 2 side from Italian club Lecce in January for a fee of €100,000. Despite making just 14 appearances for Red Star, the Frenchman has attracted strong interest from England’s second tier.
Championship rivals submit bids
Middlesbrough have already tested the market with a concrete offer. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Teesside club submitted a bid worth approximately €300,000, which Red Star rejected. The French club value Pierret at €500,000, meaning any successful deal will require a significant increase on Boro’s initial proposal.
Norwich have entered the race with their manager taking a hands-on approach. Clement has reached out to Pierret directly and is leading the Canaries’ pursuit. However, neither Norwich nor Middlesbrough have reached an agreement with the player.
Transfer timeline
Any move to England remains contingent on the buying club meeting Red Star’s valuation. Sources indicate that personal terms with Pierret will only be negotiated once a fee has been agreed with the French side.
The situation leaves both Championship clubs in a competitive standoff. Middlesbrough have shown their hand with an opening bid, while Norwich may hold an advantage through Clement’s direct contact with the midfielder. Red Star stand to make a substantial profit on the €100,000 investment they made just six months ago should the €500,000 valuation be met.
With the new Championship season approaching, both clubs are seeking midfield reinforcements to bolster their promotion credentials. The coming days will determine whether Pierret makes the switch to English football and which of the two clubs secures his signature.