Norwich City forward Josh Sargent sits out game amidst transfer ties to Toronto FC

By Canadian Press on January 11, 2026.

TORONTO — Transfer rumours are swirling around Norwich City forward Josh Sargent, with Toronto FC linked to the U.S. international.

Norwich coach Philippe Clement told the BBC that Sargent had not made himself available for Sunday’s 5-1 win over League Two’s Walsall in FA Cup third-round play.

“Josh sent me a message (on Saturday) evening saying he would not be available because of transfer things in his head,” Clement was quoted by the BBC. “This is obviously not something we want, and will have consequences.

“It is something we need to speak about inside the club, but the club has made it really clear to Josh and his agent that he will not be leaving during this transfer window.”

TFC is at the centre of those transfer rumours, with reports the Major League Soccer club has submitted a US$18-million bid. Toronto declined to comment when asked about the Sargent speculation.

Toronto GM Jason Hernandez has said landing a marquee attacker is a priority. Sargent, 25-year-old from O’Fallon, Mo., fits the bill.

Signing with Germany’s Werder Bremen on his 18th birthday, he scored 11 goals in 83 games across all competitions. Sargent made history in his senior debut against Fortuna Düsseldorf, scoring with his first touch to record the fastest goal by a debutant in the club’s history.

He joined Norwich on Aug. 9, 2021, on a four-year contract and has gone on to score 56 goals for the Canaries in 157 games.

On the international front, he became the youngest player to score for the U.S. at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup at the age of 17 in May 2017. Also in 2017, he became the first U.S. player to participate at the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups and be called up to the senior team in the same calendar year.

That same year he was named U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year. Sargent has won 29 caps for the U.S. senior side with five goals and one assist.

Norwich currently sits 22nd in the 24-team second-tier Championship at 6-14-6.

Canadian international Ali Ahmed just joined Norwich from the Vancouver Whitecaps. While he has trained with his new team, he was not involved in the Walsall win.

“Paperwork is done, the clearance is there. Ali played his last game in the first week of December, he’s had four weeks break, he stayed active because he’s a good professional,” Clement told the club website.

“Players lose something, you need to start pre-season, you don’t start after three days by putting them in a game, he won’t be in the selection (Sunday) but I expect him to be in next week.”

Former Canadian international Jim Brennan played for Norwich from 2003 to 2006.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 11, 2026.

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press