Toronto FC Secures Josh Sargent from Norwich City, Concluding Transfer Saga

Jordan Hartwell

Published: February 20, 2026 9:35 AM ET

Toronto FC Secures Josh Sargent from Norwich City, Concluding Transfer Saga

Toronto FC has officially signed U.S. international forward Josh Sargent from Norwich City, marking a significant moment in the club’s ongoing transformation. This transfer concludes a lengthy saga that escalated when Sargent requested to be excluded from a Norwich FA Cup match last month. Following this request, Sargent was suspended from the first team, training instead with Norwich’s Under-21 side. He missed the team’s last eight games as tensions rose between the player and the club.

Details of the Transfer

Despite being under contract until 2028, Norwich was initially firm on not selling Sargent. However, Toronto FC negotiated a deal that involves an upfront fee of $22 million (£16.3 million), with potential add-ons increasing the total to $27 million (£20 million). This transfer fee ranks among the highest in MLS history, surpassed only by Son Heung-min and Emmanuel Latte Lath.

Transfer Fee: $22 million (£16.3 million)
Potential Total Fee: $27 million (£20 million)
Previous Norwich Valuation: Toronto’s earlier bid of $18 million was rejected.
MLS History: One of the largest fees, behind Son Heung-min and Emmanuel Latte Lath.

Sargent’s Impact on Toronto FC

As Toronto FC restructures its squad, Sargent is expected to play a pivotal role alongside designated player Djordje Mihailovic. Veteran center-back Walker Zimmerman and central midfielder Jose Cifuentes will provide additional support. Sargent, possessing 29 caps for the U.S. national team, aims to regain a spot on the roster prior to the upcoming World Cup, despite not having scored for the U.S. since 2019.

Performance Highlights

Sargent’s individual accomplishments highlight his capabilities as a forward. He was named to the EFL Championship Team of the Season last year, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists in 32 appearances. This season, he netted seven league goals before his fallout with Norwich.

In his time at Norwich, Sargent made 157 appearances and scored 56 goals across all competitions. The St. Louis native had aspirations to move back to North America, especially after welcoming his third child. He specifically chose Toronto, disregarding other interests from clubs in England and Germany, aiming to revitalize a team struggling for consistency.

Toronto FC’s Future Aspirations

Toronto FC has faced challenges over the past five years, including financial investments that did not translate into on-field success. Despite signing high-profile players like Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, the team failed to reach the playoffs, leading to a series of coaching changes and roster overhauls.

With new General Manager Jason Hernandez at the helm, the club is poised for a brighter future. Additionally, the departures of Insigne and Bernardeschi, along with the expiration of unproductive contracts, position Toronto FC for a robust comeback. With a new core of players, including Sargent, the team aims to be competitive in the 2026 season.