“Lost the Respect” – Norwich City’s Jon Rowe Criticised as Marseille Move Falters

Jon Rowe’s dream move from Norwich City to Olympique de Marseille has turned sour, as the 21-year-old struggles to find his footing in Ligue 1, prompting criticism from both Norwich supporters and observers in France.

Rowe, who burst onto the scene with Norwich last season, delivered a standout campaign with 13 goals and three assists in 38 appearances. His performances earned him individual accolades and attracted significant transfer interest, culminating in a season-long loan move to Marseille with a reported £17 million obligation to buy. However, less than a year later, the winger finds himself on the periphery of the squad, with his future at the French club in doubt.

A Promising Start Turned Sour

Rowe’s initial days at Marseille seemed to justify his decision to leave East Anglia. His late winner in the September Derby des Olympiques against Lyon was a fairytale moment, raising hopes of a successful stint in France. Two weeks later, he netted against Angers and followed that up with assists in victories over Montpellier and Nantes.

Rowe decided the Olympico with an incredible goal! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🔥 pic.twitter.com/AiqbIfhxjv

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) September 22, 2024

However, that bright spell quickly faded. Since providing that assist against Nantes on November 3, Rowe has failed to register another goal contribution. In Marseille’s last nine matches, he’s played just 97 minutes, all from the bench, as coach Roberto De Zerbi has gradually shifted away from using him. De Zerbi’s recent tactical switch to a 3-4-1-2 formation, relying more on wing-backs than traditional wingers, has further marginalized Rowe, whose game is built around his tricky, direct wide play.

Norwich Fans Left Disillusioned

For Norwich City supporters, Rowe’s struggles have been met with mixed emotions. While some sympathize with the young winger’s difficulties abroad, others still feel disillusioned by the way he engineered his departure.

Norwich fan pundit Zeke Downes reflected on the situation in an interview with Football League World:

“It’s hard to say whether Jon made a mistake because, at the time, it seemed like a good move. I didn’t like how he left, but most players would have said yes to Marseille. Looking back now, though, he’s not getting game time, they don’t want him, and he’s lost the respect of a lot of our fans.”

Downes pointed out that if Rowe had stayed at Carrow Road for another season, he could have formed a formidable wing partnership with Borja Sainz.

A Bitter Departure from Carrow Road

Rowe’s exit from Norwich was far from smooth. In the build-up to his move, then-manager Johannes Hoff Thorup revealed that Rowe had refused to play, effectively forcing the club’s hand. While the transfer saga concluded with a high-profile move to one of France’s biggest clubs, the manner of his departure left a sour taste.

Now, with his Marseille future uncertain and the Norwich fanbase largely indifferent — if not resentful — toward a potential return, Rowe finds himself in footballing limbo.

Statistical Decline and Tactical Misfit

Rowe’s Marseille numbers paint a stark picture:

• Appearances: 20
• Starts: 3
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 3

After a promising start, his production has dried up, with De Zerbi’s tactical shift reducing his opportunities further. The switch to wing-backs demands more defensive discipline than Rowe has shown, while his attacking strengths have been nullified by a lack of positional opportunities.

Uncertain Future in France

Reports from Get French Football News and L’Équipe in January suggested Marseille were already exploring exit options for Rowe, just months after his arrival. While he remained at the club past the winter window, the writing appears on the wall for his future in the south of France. The club’s obligation to buy him in the summer still looms, but it’s uncertain whether they’ll try to renegotiate or offload him immediately.

Did Rowe Leave Too Soon?

In hindsight, Rowe’s move to Marseille now appears premature. His breakout season at Norwich showcased immense potential, but perhaps a more gradual progression, either by remaining in the Championship or securing a move to a club with a more stable tactical setup, would have served him better.

The allure of Marseille, with its passionate fanbase, European ambitions, and Ligue 1 spotlight, was undoubtedly appealing. However, the combination of his controversial exit from Norwich, his stalled development in France, and the tactical mismatch under De Zerbi has left Rowe’s career at an unexpected crossroads.

As the season draws to a close, the young winger faces a crucial few months. Whether he can force his way back into Marseille’s plans or secure a move elsewhere will likely determine whether his move to France is remembered as a temporary misstep or a turning point in his career.

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