After a fallout with Norwich leadership, USMNT forward Josh Sargent is nearing a deal to come to MLS and join Toronto FC. The striker had been a key player for the Canaries and even captained the side until struggling this season. Things got ugly between the player and club with accusations that management made personal statements about Sargent’s family during a meeting about his future last month. As a result, Sargent has been training with the reserves while pursuing a transfer as he was heavily
linked with Toronto FC.
With the MLS transfer window still open, it seems that move is set to take place. Tom Bogert reported that Toronto and Norwich have agreed on a deal worth $22 million that will send the striker to Canada.
While Sargent put up good numbers in the Championship for his club, scoring 51 goals in the last four seasons, he only has two goals to his name with the USMNT in his career. With two friendlies coming up at the end of March and the striker position suddenly becoming very competitive for the national team, Sargent may be on the outside looking in unless manager Mauricio Pochettino sees something new when the MLS season opens.
The move is also a rare case of a national team player coming back to play in the domestic league in the prime of his career. While players like Gio Reyna have been linked with moves to MLS, the trend lately is for USMNT players to stay abroad and challenge themselves at the highest level even as MLS has elevated its game.
