Josh Sargent didn’t gown in Norwich Metropolis’s 5-1 FA Cup victory over Walsall on Saturday and we now know why.
Sargent made himself unavailable for the match because of the reported rumblings of MLS curiosity, Canaries supervisor Philippe Clement confirmed throughout his postmatch availability at Carrow Highway. The American striker has just lately been linked with a transfer to Toronto FC in a deal price reportedly $18 million, per The Athletic.
“Josh despatched me a message [on Saturday] night saying he wouldn’t be obtainable due to switch issues in his head, Clement mentioned in an interview, transcribed by BBC Norfolk. “That is clearly not one thing we would like, and may have penalties. It’s one thing we have to discuss contained in the membership, however the membership has made it actually clear to Josh and his agent that he won’t be leaving throughout this switch window.”
Sargent joined Norwich Metropolis in August 2021 from German aspect Werder Bremen and has scored 56 targets in 157 appearances for the Canaries. The American ahead was a part of the Canaries’ final season within the English Premier League earlier than enjoying every of the final 4 campaigns within the EFL Championship.
Sargent was beforehand linked with a transfer away from Norwich Metropolis over the summer season, with Leeds United, Burnley, and Werder Bremen all reportedly displaying curiosity. Nevertheless, a deal was not agreed upon and Sargent stayed a part of then-manager Liam Manning’s plans.
Sargent had began every of the final three league matches beneath Clement, regardless of lacking a while as a consequence of a concussion. Jovon Makama has stuffed in throughout Sargent’s absence, just lately scoring a hat trick within the FA Cup romp to take his season tally to 12 in all competitions.
Whether or not Sargent stays a Norwich Metropolis participant on the finish of January stays to be seen, however ought to he keep, it appears like he’ll face some inside punishment from Clement for lacking the membership’s most up-to-date match.