United States national team striker Josh Sargent has permanently left Norwich City and joined Toronto FC. The transfer, worth approximately $22 million, ends a months-long saga concerning the player's future at the English club. Sargent, who joined The Canaries in 2021, has signed a long-term contract with the Canadian team. The striker has already traveled to Canada to join the squad ahead of the start of the MLS season. The clubs confirmed the deal after lengthy negotiations.

Transfer for $22 million

Toronto FC paid Norwich City a fee of approximately $22 million US dollars for the permanent transfer of Josh Sargent. This amount is among the highest in MLS history, underscoring the ambitions of the Canadian club. The deal was finalized after a long period of negotiations between the clubs.

End of the transfer saga

Sargent's move was the subject of speculation and negotiations for many weeks, with some media describing the entire process as "complicated" and "chaotic." The player himself admitted in interviews that the situation was difficult for him. The final agreement ended a period of uncertainty about his future at Norwich.

New chapter in MLS

For the 25-year-old Sargent, this is his first stint in Major League Soccer and a return to playing in North America after several years in Europe. In Toronto, he is expected to be a key figure in the attack and strengthen a team that struggled with offensive problems last season. The contract signed with the Canadian club is set to last for several years.

Reactions and career context

Sargent expressed excitement about the new challenge in Toronto, emphasizing his desire to develop in MLS. At Norwich City, where he played from 2021, he made over 100 appearances, scoring 34 goals. His transfer is part of a broader strategy by Toronto FC, which has recently invested significant funds in building a competitive team.

Josh Sargent, striker for the United States national team, has ended his stint with English club Norwich City and signed a contract with Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. The transfer, worth approximately $22 million US dollars, was officially confirmed by both clubs on February 27, 2026. Sargent joined The Canaries in August 2021 from Germany's Werder Bremen for a fee of around €10 million and was an important part of the team for four and a half years, playing in the Premier League at the time and later in the Championship.

Negotiations regarding Sargent's departure from Norwich had been ongoing for some time and, as reported by the media, were complicated and somewhat chaotic. The player himself described the whole situation as "convoluted." In an interview with The New York Times, he admitted he was happy the saga was over and he could focus on his future at the new club. „I'm glad it's behind me and I can focus on playing soccer in Toronto. It was long and complicated, but now I'm ready for the new challenge.” — Josh Sargent For the 25-year-old striker, this is his first experience with MLS and a return to playing in North America.

Major League Soccer, founded in 1993, was long perceived as a retirement league for European stars. In the last decade, its image and sporting level have improved significantly, attracting both talented young players from South America and Europe, as well as returning US national team players who previously played in Europe.

Toronto FC, a club founded in 2005, is one of the most ambitious and financially strongest teams in the league. In the past, it has attracted stars such as Sebastian Giovinco and Jermain Defoe. Sargent's transfer fits this strategy and aims to strengthen the attacking line, which failed to meet expectations in previous seasons. The value of the deal, estimated at $22 million, places it among the most expensive transfers in MLS history.

Sargent has already traveled to Canada and participated in his first training session with his new teammates. Ahead of him is a preseason period and his debut in the new colors, most likely in the league matches in March. For Norwich City, the sale of the American represents a significant financial boost that could be used to strengthen the squad in its fight for a return to the Premier League.

Mentioned People

  • Josh Sargent — American soccer striker, US national team player, who transferred from Norwich City to Toronto FC.