Norwich City striker Jordan Hugill scored a debut goal within hours of sealing a loan move to Cardiff City this afternoon.
Hugill was sent through on goal after just six minutes and beat the Nottingham Forest keeper with a low shot to set up a 2-1 home win and end a run of six games without a win for the Bluebirds.
The 29-year-old was on the fringes of the Canaries’ title triumph in the Championship last season so was deemed surplus to requirements after promotion.
He joined West Brom hoping to be involved in another promotion push and while the Baggies are fifth and very much in the mix, the loan turned sour for Hugill.
Just one goal in 20 games, only seven of which were starts, saw the former Preston forward come in for some heavy criticism from supporters.
Even a hamstring injury to new £7million signing Daryl Dike wasn’t enough to bring Hugill back into Valerien Ismael’s plans and former England striker Andy Carroll was signed on a free transfer after a short stint with Reading.
West Brom confirmed on Saturday that Hugill had left, with a short statement concluding: “Everybody at Albion thanks Jordan for his efforts and wishes him well in his future career.”
Millwall, Hull and Cardiff were all interested in his availability and it is former Canaries striker Steve Morison who has secured the powerful forward’s services for the next few months at Cardiff.
Hugill told his new club's website: "I'm delighted to be here. It's nice to be at a club that values me. I'm really appreciative of that. I can't wait to get firing.
"I'm looking forward to the fight. I feel like we're in a bit of a false position at the moment. We've got a bunch of great players.
"I just want to get involved. I'd like to think I offer something different to what is already here and I'm really looking forward to getting my head down, fighting and scoring some goals."
After helping the Welsh side to their win, they remained 20th but moved six points clear of the relegation zone having been in the Premier League as recently as 2018-19, finishing fifth and eighth since relegation.
Morison, 38, took over after the exit of Mick McCarthy in October but an initial upturn had faded. Towering Wales striker Kieffer Moore is their current top scorer, with five goals in 22 matches, but didn't play amid strong speculation he is joining Bournemouth.
Hugill’s form for Preston earned him a move to West Ham in January 2018 reportedly worth around £10million but only made three brief Premier League appearances.
Productive Championship loan seasons at Middlesbrough and QPR saw Norwich sign him in the summer of 2020 in a deal believed to be worth around £2.5m initially but £5m if add-ons were activated, signing a contract until 2023.
Five goals from 34 games contributed to City winning the title but just 10 of those were starts, with shoulder and hamstring injuries disrupting his season. He provided good support for Teemu Pukki though and Daniel Farke was always quick to praise Hugill’s selfless attitude and positive personality.
The deal keeps City's loan stable at 17 strong, with the striker the fifth player to switch loan clubs during January and three other players heading out to gain experience elsewhere, in an otherwise quiet transfer window for the Canaries ahead of Monday's 11pm deadline.
NCFC EXTRA: Canaries loans boss Hughes on Hugill's frustrations
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