The Bosnian shot-stopper has joined the Canaries for an initial £2m deal plus future bonuses based on player and team performance that could take the fee higher. He has signed a four-year contract at Carrow Road with the option of an additional year.
Kovacevic’s arrival comes after an extensive search to succeed Angus Gunn between the sticks that included the consideration of a host of other options that included Leicester’s Jakub Stolarczyk.
The 27-year-old emerged as City’s top target in the last few weeks, and Norwich have fended off competition from elsewhere in Europe to secure his signature on a permanent basis.
“I’m really excited to be here, to be honest. Everyone is kind, all the people here. It’s a beautiful feeling to be here, it’s been my dream to come to England to play,” Kovacevic told City’s official channels.
“I think this club deserves to play in one of the best leagues in the world. For me, it’s my dream to play in the Premier League and I think every Norwich fan wants to be there again.”
The club’s sporting director Ben Knapper added: “Vladan is a goalkeeper of real pedigree, and we are delighted to welcome him and his family to Norwich City.
“With over 250 career appearances under his belt, he comes with great experience and with the mentality to perform at a very high level.
“Under Tony’s guidance, we feel he can be a huge asset for us and his proactive approach suits the way we want to play really well.
“He’s hungry to improve and develop, and those qualities are essential for us in what we are building here. His character is a great fit with the rest of our goalkeeping group, providing an atmosphere where they will all support but push each other hard on a daily basis.
“We’re all excited to see him get to work.”
Kovacevic becomes the third senior goalkeeping addition with City adding Dan Grimshaw and Louie Moulden to their ranks, whilst Rylee Mitchell joined the development squad for a nominal fee from Stevenage.
The trio will be City’s frontline goalkeeping options and will work with Tony Roberts ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign.
Kovacevic began his career at hometown Sarajevo in Bosnia, where he made 98 appearances. During that spell, he conceded on 72 occasions and kept an impressive 21 clean sheets.
Both in 2018/19 and 2020/21, Kovacevic was named as goalkeeper of the season alongside helping Sarajevo to two league and cup titles during his stint at the club.
That earned him a move to Polish side Rakow Czestochowa, where he played and formed a strong bond with Ante Crnac.
His time at the Municipal Stadium was a great success, winning one league title, one Polish Cup and two Polish Super Cups. He was also awarded goalkeeper of the season on two separate occasions.
His last 12 months have been more testing however, with Kovacevic making just 10 appearances for Sporting, conceding 11 goals. An injury saw him pushed out of the starting XI, and a loan return to Poland followed with Legia Warsaw.
A tough spell at the club followed, but Kovacevic was lauded for a fine individual performance in their 2-1 Europa Conference League victory over Chelsea in April.
He is now hoping to revive his previously flourishing career at Carrow Road under Liam Manning’s tuition.
