On 18th January 2012, it was reported that Norwich had agreed a £2m fee for Leeds' 23 year old midfielder Jonny Howson.

A graduate of Leeds' youth system, he broke into their reserve team in 2006 before making his debut in September 2006 against Barnet in the League Cup. He went on to make 225 senior appearances for Leeds, scoring 28 goals and becoming club captain. He won one England Under-21 cap

Howson agreed personal terms and passed a medical, signing for City on 24th January 2012. The medical was needed as he was out of action for three months following a knee injury suffered on December 3rd 2011 against Millwall, which thankfully didn't require surgery.

Howson made his Norwich debut on 3rd March 2012 in the 1-0 defeat away to Stoke City. He scored his first City goal in the 2-2 draw at home to Everton on 7th April 2012. Howson finished the 2011/12 season with 11 appearances and one goal as Norwich finished 12th in the Premier League. The following season, he made 33 apparances and scored two breath-taking goals, against West Brom and Manchester City respectively.

He made 27 appearances, scoring twice in the 2013/14 season in which Norwich were relegated from the Premier League.

Howson made 39 appearances in 2014/15, scoring nine goals including in the Championship play-off semi final at Ipswich. He was part of the team that secured promotion to the Premier League with the 2-0 Championship Play-off final victory over Middlesbrough on 25th May 2015

Howson made 39 appearances for City in 2015/16, scoring four, as the Canaries were relegated from the Premier League. He won the Barry Butler trophy for Player of the Season.

Howson made 39 appearances for Norwich in 2016/17 scoring six goals

On 17th May 2017, Howson was reported to be the major summer target for Leeds with the Yorkshire side supposedly preparing a £4million bid for their former player. The following month saw suggestions that Burnley were also interested, with the Canaries' hierarchy suggesting that a sale might assist them with funds for their rebuilding. In July 2017 Middlesbrough entered the frame and secured his signature on 7th July 2017 for an undisclosed fee. He had declined talks over a new contract explaning that he wanted to move back north. Sporting Director Stuart Webber told the club’s official website: “Jonny, via his agent, made it very clear during my first week in the job he didn’t want to be here and wanted to move back to the north. We spoke about a new contract but he was insistent. Jonny is a good guy who was great for this club but sometimes you have to accept it becomes about getting the best deal for the football club.”

Howson left Boro on 22nd July 2025 having made 341 appearances, scoring 10 goals.

On 11th August 2025 it was reported that he had returned to Leeds joining Scott Gardner’s Under-21s side in a player-coach role, offering a huge amount of experience to help with development of our young players at a key time in their early careers. The move is part of a longer-term strategy of the Academy, with the aim of fielding a young Under-21s side, ensuring early opportunities for our most talented youngsters who can be guided on the pitch by senior players, including the 37-year-old.