English EFL Championship side Norwich City have completed the signing of Canadian international of Ethiopian origin Ali Ahmed from MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps.
Left-winger Ahmed will wear the number 21 shirt having joined for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year deal with an option for an additional year.
Speaking to Canaries TV, the 25-year-old said: “When I heard about this opportunity, I was very excited.
“Speaking with the people here was very influential in my decision. That was big for me, especially with a coach like Philippe (Clement); he has a track record that speaks for itself. He’s got the best out of players and I think he’ll be major for me and Norwich is a massive, massive club, so I am just excited to be a part of this group.
“I think for most of us Canadians, English football whether it’s Premier League or Championship, they’re probably the first leagues you’re watching growing up as a young kid. That’s the reason why I’m excited to get over here and get a taste of that.
Sporting director Ben Knapper added: “We’re all delighted to welcome Ali to Norwich City.
“He comes off the back of an impressive season with Vancouver, where his attacking threat was clear for all to see. He also has some great experience at international level too, where he has established himself as an important player for Canada.
“He will add pace and threat in wide areas for us, and he still has a lot of potential for further development and growth in his game.
“Ali showed a real desire to make this move happen and we’re really pleased we’ve been able to get the deal done early in the January window.
“We look forward to welcoming him into our group and are excited for him to get going.”
Born in Toronto, Ahmed spent some time in Europe undertaking trials before eventually finding a home with the Whitecaps second side.
He won the Whitecaps 2 player of the year award in 2022 before joining the first team, initially on loan.
He would go on to play over 100 times for their first team with his performances leading to inclusion in Canada’s CONCACAF Gold Cup squad in 2023.
He scored his side’s only goal in the 2025 MLS Cup final but was on the losing side in a 3-1 defeat to Inter Miami.
He has now also played 22 times for his country, scoring his first goal in a 3-0 friendly win against Romania in September 2025.
The transfer is subject to international clearance, Right to Work and approval by The FA and EFL.
