Josh Sargent has decided he has played his final match for Norwich City after feeling deeply disrespected during a so-called clear-the-air meeting with senior club figures.
Toronto FC have submitted a bid for the US international, and the striker is keen on a return to MLS to be closer to his wife and three young children. The 25-year-old held talks last week with head coach Philippe Clement and sporting director Ben Knapper to outline his wishes following Toronto’s approach.
During what is understood to have been a tense conversation, Knapper allegedly made a comment relating to Sargent’s family that left the forward extremely upset. Shortly afterwards, Sargent was omitted from the first-team squad for disciplinary reasons after informing Clement he would not be available for the match against Walsall. Since Toronto’s interest became public, he has been training with Norwich’s Under-21s.
Clement addressed the situation last week, saying: “I’m not going into details – but he knows why he is training with the second team and we will see how it evolves in the future.” While Norwich are understood to have left the door open for Sargent’s return if he apologises for refusing to play, that option is not being considered by the player following his exchange with Knapper.
Sargent has scored 56 goals in 156 appearances for the Canaries, and the club had previously insisted he would not be sold this month unless their valuation was met. However, Clement admitted that stance could change under the right circumstances, stating that football rarely deals in absolutes if a deal benefits the club.
Norwich have already begun exploring alternatives, making enquiries for Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh, and are also aware of interest in Sargent from clubs such as Nottingham Forest. Despite that, the striker’s focus remains firmly on securing a move back to the United States.
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