Norwich City striker Josh Sargent has completed his move to Toronto FC in a deal worth more than £20m, potentially setting a new Major League Soccer transfer record. The 26-year-old US international signed a five-year contract after passing his medical. According to Bbc.com.
Sargent’s Record-Breaking Toronto Move Ends Norwich Standoff After Cup Snub
The transfer fee structure could eclipse the previous MLS benchmark, with an initial payment of approximately £15.5m rising to more than £20m with add-ons. This deal potentially surpasses Son Heung-min’s £20m-plus move to Los Angeles FC in August, establishing a new record fee paid by an MLS club.
Sargent’s departure follows a disciplinary issue that saw him fall out of favour with manager Philippe Clement after declining to play in Norwich’s FA Cup tie against Walsall last month. The Belgian manager described his actions as “unacceptable” and subsequently relegated Sargent to train with the under-21s.
Despite the disciplinary setback, Clement maintained there was never a complete breakdown in their relationship and confirmed the door remained open for Sargent’s first-team return. However, the striker chose to pursue the Toronto opportunity, with Clement stating: “Everyone understood that there was a way back for Josh, but he chose now to make this step for his career.”
The American international arrived at Carrow Road in 2021 for £8m from German side Werder Bremen and scored 56 goals in 157 appearances for Norwich. This season, he managed eight goals in 25 appearances across all competitions before the disciplinary issues arose.
Clement expressed mixed feelings about losing his striker, telling BBC Radio Norfolk: “I wish I could have kept him, but finally there is an agreement. The club got a good price for a good striker, and we can use the money in the summer to replace a striker with his quality.”
