USMNT and Norwich striker Josh Sargent poised to join Toronto FC, according to sources.
Toronto FC is nearing the completion of a deal to acquire United States international and Norwich City forward Josh Sargent, sources have informed ESPN.
The agreement will see Toronto pay Norwich a sum of $22 million, which could increase to $27 million if specific conditions are fulfilled. Sargent has traveled to Toronto to finalize his medical examination on Friday.
This transfer fee currently ranks among the top five amounts ever paid by an MLS club for an incoming player. The record fee is thought to be the $26 million that LAFC spent on Son Heung-Min last summer, which the Sargent transfer will surpass if all conditions are met.
The Daily Mail was the first to report on Sargent’s forthcoming transfer.
If finalized, this transfer will conclude a protracted saga that began last December when Toronto initially approached Norwich with an offer of $18 million.
Sargent was eager to make the move due to his wish for him and his family to return to North America. When negotiations seemed to stall in January, Sargent missed an FA Cup match against Walsall on January 11, and after a discussion with sporting director Ben Knapper and manager Philippe Clement, he was assigned to train with the Canaries’ under-21 team.
Sources indicate to ESPN that during that discussion, Knapper made remarks regarding Sargent’s family. Sargent appeared visibly distressed by these comments, and he did not play for Norwich again. A resolution was finally reached in recent days when both clubs agreed on a transfer fee.
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Sargent concludes his tenure at Norwich with 55 goals and 15 assists across all competitions. He netted seven goals in 23 league appearances this season. His chances of international selection have diminished this year, with his last call-up to the U.S. men’s national team occurring in September. He has not scored for the U.S. since 2019.
This transfer is the latest development in a significant rebuilding effort for Toronto that appears to be yielding results. Toronto achieved a domestic treble of MLS Cup, Supporters Shield, and Canadian Championship in 2017, but the last time the Reds reached the postseason was during the Covid-affected season of 2020.
Over the past year, Toronto has brought in midfielder Djordje Mihailovic, U.S. World Cup veteran Walker Zimmerman, and midfielder Dániel Sallói.
