US Soccer Star Josh Sargent Joins Toronto FC in Massive $22M Transfer

American forward Josh Sargent has completed a blockbuster move to Major League Soccer's Toronto FC for approximately $22 million. The transfer ends a months-long standoff between Sargent and his former English club Norwich City, where he had been relegated to the reserve team.

American striker Josh Sargent has completed his highly anticipated transfer to Toronto FC, with the Major League Soccer franchise reportedly shelling out approximately $22 million for his services, multiple sources confirmed Friday.

The United States national team player had been embroiled in a lengthy dispute with Norwich City after he refused to participate in the club’s FA Cup match against Walsall back in January, attempting to push through a move to his preferred destination of Toronto. Following his refusal to play, Norwich relegated Sargent to their reserve squad, where he remained until this transfer was finalized.

This massive transfer fee places the deal among MLS’s most expensive acquisitions ever, trailing only LAFC’s $26.5 million purchase of Son Heung-min and matching Atlanta United’s $22 million investment in Emmanuel Latte Lath, according to The Athletic. Additional performance bonuses could potentially increase the total package to $27 million.

During his tenure with Norwich beginning in 2021, Sargent found the back of the net 56 times across 157 matches, competing in both England’s top-flight Premier League and second-tier Championship. Before being sidelined due to the transfer dispute, he had netted eight goals in 25 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

The 26-year-old striker maintains aspirations of earning a spot on the United States Men’s National Team roster for the upcoming World Cup. While he has earned 29 international appearances for his country, with his most recent call-up occurring in September, Sargent hasn’t scored for the national team since 2019 and faces intense competition for limited roster positions.