Toronto FC is reportedly finalizing a deal to sign American striker Josh Sargent from English club Norwich City. The transfer has been in progress since mid-January, with sources confirming that the US men’s national team forward is on his way to Canada to undergo a medical examination. This move could make Sargent the most expensive signing in Major League Soccer (MLS) history. Initially, Toronto FC’s offer of $18 million (€15.4 million) failed to meet Norwich’s valuation, but the two clubs have now agreed on an upfront payment of $22 million (€18.7 million), with an additional $5 million (€4.2 million) in potential add-ons.
Sargent has not appeared in Norwich’s lineup since missing their 5-1 FA Cup victory against fourth-tier side Walsall earlier in January. When asked about Sargent’s absence, Norwich manager Philippe Clement revealed,
“He sent me a message to say that he was not available today because of transfer things that are in his head,”
showing the forward’s clear distraction due to ongoing negotiations. Clement further commented,
“We need to speak about that this week inside the club. The club has been really clear about that. We know which situation we are in. He and his agent know the situation, so he will not leave in this transfer window.”
Despite this, Sargent has remained sidelined since January 4, having scored seven goals and contributed three assists across 23 Championship matches this season.
Josh Sargent’s Career and Market Value in Context
The 25-year-old striker’s transfer saga is not new; he nearly joined Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg last summer. However, negotiations collapsed over disagreements on the transfer fee, resulting in Sargent continuing to play in England. Since then, he has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 27 appearances for Norwich across all competitions. With Norwich currently struggling near the relegation zone, the club’s improved form during the winter transfer window has seemingly shifted their stance on Sargent, making him an expendable asset if a suitable offer arises.
Sargent’s market valuation currently stands at approximately €20 million, reflecting his status as a promising center-forward. Given Norwich’s precarious league position and the possibility of a lucrative transfer fee, the club appears ready to let Sargent move on. This aligns with the player’s own ambitions, as he aims to secure regular playing time and maintain his place in the US men’s national team setup, especially with a World Cup spot at stake.
MLS Transfer Complexities: St. Louis City SC’s Role and Additional Parties
While the agreement between Toronto FC and Norwich City seems to be in place, the transfer is not yet finalized due to MLS-specific regulations. St. Louis City SC holds the right of first refusal for Josh Sargent in Major League Soccer, meaning that Sargent must either sign with them or the club must be compensated if he joins another MLS team. Reportedly, Toronto FC must negotiate with St. Louis City SC to gain approval for the transfer within the league.
Besides the MLS rights issue, Sargent’s former club Werder Bremen is also entitled to 10% of the transfer fee as per their previous sale agreement. Werder transferred Sargent to Norwich in the summer of 2021 for €9.5 million. This clause further complicates the financial side of the Sargent move, adding more stakeholders with a vested interest in the deal’s outcome.
MLS Precedents: Players Signing Outside Their Allocated MLS Rights
This situation is reminiscent of recent MLS transfers where players chose clubs that did not hold their league rights. In 2024, German international Marco Reus’ MLS rights were owned by Charlotte FC, yet he never showed interest in joining them, leading to his rights being traded to LA Galaxy. Similarly, Thomas Müller selected Vancouver Whitecaps over FC Cincinnati, which held his MLS rights, with an arrangement made to facilitate that transfer. These cases suggest that Toronto FC could overcome the MLS rights obstacle by negotiating with St. Louis City SC, enabling Sargent’s signing to go ahead.
Securing Josh Sargent would add considerable firepower to Toronto FC and mark a record-breaking transfer within MLS. His arrival is expected to bolster the club’s attacking options and provide a significant presence upfront as Toronto FC looks to improve their standing domestically. The final steps hinge on completing the medical and resolving MLS rights agreements, but all signs point to the deal closing soon, ushering a new era for both Sargent and Toronto FC in North American soccer.
https://twitter.com/alex_crook/status/2024805867850186788
St. Louis City chose Josh Sargent for their first right of refusal, source confirms @tomtimm report.
So, if the USMNT/Norwich City FWD ever comes to MLS, STL have the 1st chance (or will be compensated if he goes to another team).
Sargent, 22, has 10g/2a this year. He’ from STL https://t.co/hltRPoL0Hi pic.twitter.com/VtaANMEms6
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 22, 2023
