By John Stammers
Norwich City have completed the signing of Luciano Becchio from Leeds in a deal that sees Steve Morison move the opposite way, subject to relevant paperwork.
The 29-year-old, who has netted 19 times so far for the Whites this season, signs a three-and-a-half year deal with the Canaries following the move from the Championship side.
The Argentine handed in a transfer request during the January window after talks regarding a new contract broke down, paving the way for his top-flight switch.
Becchio joins former team-mates Robert Snodgrass and Jonny Howson at Carrow Road and stated they both had hands in persuading him to sign, while insisting the new chapter will be “brilliant” for his career.
The forward told the club’s official website: “I spoke to Robert Snodgrass and Jonny Howson about Norwich and they both had really good things to say about the club and the city.
“I cannot wait to play my first game for Norwich. I am really happy about having the chance to play in the Premier League, it is brilliant for me personally and for my career.”
The former Boca Juniors man is also relishing the prospect to facing two of his own countrymen in Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, along with the rest of the Premier League’s top talent.
He added: “The Premier League has some brilliant players including people like Aguero and Tevez and it will be a great experience for me to play against players of that quality.”
The move comes after Celtic rejected a third offer from Chris Hughton’s men for their striker Gary Hooper, though it remains to be seen whether the Canaries will make another attempt at signing the Englishman.
The man to leave Norwich as a result of Becchio’s arrival, Morison, made 85 appearances in 18 months with the club, scoring 12 goals in that time helping them get to the Premier League.
