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Analysis
- 12 minutes ago
USMNT striker Josh Sargent breaks Son Heung-min record with MLS transfer
Tom Weber
- Updated: 20 Feb 2026 13:18 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Toronto have agreed a club- and MLS-record-shattering deal to sign Norwich City striker Josh Sargent.
The two clubs have finally managed to settle on a transfer fee after weeks of protracted and controversial negotiations. Sky Sports and Ben Jacobs report that Toronto will pay a whopping $27m (£20m, €23m) for the services of the United States international.
The Major League Soccer franchise began courting Sargent in late 2025, but discussions over a transfer proved exceptionally difficult due to Norwich insisting that he was not for sale in January.
Current ETV
Josh Sargent
F (C)
Norwich
Josh Sargent
F (C)
Norwich
ETV Range
€20.5M - €25.1M
However, the 26-year-old made it clear to the Canaries that he wanted to take the opportunity to join Toronto in order to allow him to return to North America. Sargent has three young children and wants to head back across the pond.
When Sargent declared himself unavailable for a cup clash with Walsall, Norwich decided to banish him to the U21s. At that point, it was clear that there would be no going back. The relationship between the club and their star striker had been irreparably damaged.
Toronto agree Sargent deal
During a heated discussion with Sargent, Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper reportedly "disrespected" the player's family. Despite the untenable situation, he continued to insist that he would only sell the American at the right price.
Toronto FC's opening offer fell below the Canaries' expectations. The Norfolk club wanted a fee in the region of the €24m that Bundesliga side Wolfsburg offered last summer before the former Bremen star pulled out of the move because he did not want to move back to Germany.
Ultimately, Norwich played their cards right. They knew that they could squeeze more money out of Toronto because the Canadians were growing increasingly desperate.
By all accounts, TFC did not have a Plan B, and their pre-season illustrated quite clearly that this team desperately needs an attacking focal point like Sargent. They have now agreed to obliterate their previous club record of just over €9m, which was spent on Alejandro Pozuelo in 2019.
If the fee of $27m turns out to be correct, Sargent will become the most expensive player in MLS history, shattering the record set by Son Heung-min's $22m move from Tottenham to LAFC last summer.
Norwich, meanwhile, replaced Sargent with Australia international Mohamed Toure for just €3m plus bonuses in January. He has become the first player in club history to score five goals in his first three matches.
Sargent has been given permission to travel to Toronto for his medical. He will sign a five-year contract with TFC.
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