on 17 june 2011, de laet joined newly promoted premier league side norwich city on loan until the end of the 2011–12 season. he made his debut in a 1–1 draw at wigan athletic, conceding the penalty for the wigan goal. however, he redeemed himself with a number of excellent blocks to retain the scoreline. on 21 august, he scored his first goal for norwich against former club stoke city in a 1–1 draw. this was also de laet's first senior goal. de laet was sidelined with a back injury whilst at norwich. he made his return from injury on 27 december 2011 against tottenham hotspur in a 2–0 loss. on 18 january 2012, he returned to united after norwich cancelled his loan.