Norwich City boast a better squad this season despite seeing talisman Emiliano Buendia depart as they prepared for a return to the Premier League, according to journalist Stuart Hodge.

What happened at Carrow Road during the summer transfer window?

Despite sealing an immediate return to the top flight after getting their hands on the Championship crown last term, Norwich saw star man Buendia exit in favour of a move to Aston Villa for a club record fee.

It came as a major blow, with the fan favourite leaving Carrow Road having scored 24 goals and registered 42 assists in 121 appearances for the Canaries.

The 24-year-old was the biggest name to seal his exit during the close season, but Daniel Farke responded by welcoming a host of fresh faces.

Among the more high-profile arrivals was midfielder Billy Gilmour, who has joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea, while Norwich forked out £9million to acquire Kosovo international winger Milot Rashica from Werder Bremen.

Fellow wideman Christos Tzolis cost £10million as he arrived from PAOK last month, while Pierre Lees-Melou was also brought in to shore up the Canaries' midfield.

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Josh Sargent, Ben Gibson, Dimitrios Giannoulis, Angus Gunn, Ozan Kabak, Mathias Normann and Brandon Williams were among the new recruits as well.

What has Stuart Hodge said about the Canaries' dealings?

Hodge believes Farke spent wisely in the transfer window and dealt with the loss of Argentina international Buendia admirably.

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The journalist goes as far as to suggest Norwich's squad is stronger now than it was at the end of last term.

He told GMS: "The squad isn't pining for him and that isn't a factor in their start to the season. I think the squad has moved on.

"I think the squad is better this season, even without Emi Buendia."

Are Norwich better without Buendia?

The statistics would suggest the Canaries are going to face an uphill battle to stave off an immediate drop back into the Championship as they have started the campaign with four consecutive defeats, conceding 11 goals and finding the back of the net just once in the process.

Meanwhile, Buendia has become a key member of Villa boss Dean Smith's squad and scored the first goal in his new surroundings in the 1-1 draw with Brentford last month.

Farke will be hoping his new signings, who came in thanks in large part due to the cash brought in by Buendia's sale, can fill the void left by the Argentine quickly.