Norwich agree transfer for Josh Sargent as striker set to join Toronto in deal worth more than £20m

Norwich City striker josh sargent is set to move to Major League Soccer side Toronto, with the clubs understood to have reached an agreement that could total more than £20m. The development matters for both the player and Norwich as the transfer would represent a significant fee and comes after weeks of negotiation and the player’s absence from first-team duties.

Josh Sargent: What happened and what’s new

Norwich have agreed terms with Toronto for the sale of the forward, with an initial payment believed to be around £15. 5m and add-ons taking the package to more than £20m. The player is due to travel to Canada on Friday to undertake a medical and is expected to finalise personal terms, with a long-term contract reported as likely by those handling the move. If completed, the fee could be among the highest paid by an MLS club.

Statistical details in the club record included in discussions note Sargent has scored 56 goals during his time with Norwich since joining from Germany in 2021, and he has contributed multiple goals for the club this season. He has not featured for Norwich's first team since early January and has been training away from the senior group while the transfer process has continued. Norwich’s head coach has stated he is awaiting official confirmation before commenting further.

Behind the headline

The move follows an extended negotiation phase in which the selling club held to a firm valuation and the buying club increased its offer. Internal pressures as well as the player’s stated desire to return closer to home have been cited in the build-up to the transfer. For Norwich, the sale represents both a financial opportunity and a sporting challenge as the squad adapts to the absence of a proven goalscorer.

Key stakeholders include the player, the buying club that will assume his contract, and Norwich City, which stands to receive the incoming transfer fee. Additional stakeholders with leverage include the player’s representatives and any parties responsible for performance-related add-ons that could lift the total package beyond the headline figure.

What we still don’t know

• Whether the medical and final personal terms will be completed without issue and the transfer be officially confirmed.
• The definitive final fee once all add-ons are agreed and whether the total will surpass comparable MLS transfer records.
• The confirmed length and financial details of the contract to be signed.
• Exact appearance and goal counts currently reported for the player show inconsistencies and need official clarification.
• How quickly the transfer will be registered and the timeline for the player’s eligibility with his new club.

What happens next

• Deal completes: Player passes medical and signs contract; transfer is registered and Norwich receive initial payment, with add-ons to follow based on agreed targets.
• Deal delays or collapse: Medical or personal terms issues could delay completion, leaving the player in limbo and Norwich to reassess squad options.
• Conditional payments triggered later: Add-ons tied to appearances, goals or other performance metrics could increase the total fee over time.
• Immediate squad impact: Norwich integrate other forwards already performing in the player’s absence to cover the goals and minutes lost.

Why it matters

The transfer would provide Norwich with a substantial cash inflow that can shore up finances or fund reinforcements, while the buying club would secure a forward with a recent goalscoring record. For the player, the move represents a return to play closer to home and the chance for a fresh start after an extended period away from first-team action. Market-wise, a fee above the reported threshold would mark a notable valuation for a move into MLS and could influence how clubs across leagues approach similar transfers.

Near-term implications include the immediate need for Norwich to manage offensive resources for upcoming matches and for the buying club to integrate the new signing quickly ahead of the start of their season. Stakeholders will watch closely for official confirmation and the detailed terms of the completed agreement.