MLS Signs Sargent for Record Fee
US international striker Josh Sargent completed a move from Norwich City to Toronto FC for reportedly over £20 million—potentially the largest in MLS history. Sargent, 26, brings a prolific scoring record and is seen as a transformative signing for Toronto's ambitions. The deal represents MLS's continued push to attract top international talent with record-breaking transfer fees.
The reported £20 million ($25M+) fee eclipses the initial $22 million Atlanta United paid for Emmanuel Latte Lath in 2025. Depending on final add-ons, it could rival the reported $26.5 million LAFC paid for Son Heung-Min, placing Sargent's transfer among the most expensive in league history. Sargent's move follows a standout 2024-25 season where he was named Norwich City's Player of the Season. He contributed 20 goals (15 goals, 5 assists) in 32 English League Championship appearances that season, earning a spot on the EFL Championship Team of the Season. Prior to the transfer, Sargent's relationship with Norwich had soured. The striker was reportedly exiled to the club's under-21 squad after refusing to play in an FA Cup match just a month before the move to Toronto was finalized. Internationally, Sargent has earned 29 caps and scored five goals for the United States Men's National Team. He was part of the US squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he featured in all three group stage matches. Before Toronto FC could sign Sargent, they had to acquire his MLS "right of first refusal" from St. Louis CITY SC. The deal cost Toronto up to $725,000 in General Allocation Money, a payment to the club from Sargent's home state of Missouri. This signing marks another aggressive move by a Toronto side that hasn't made the MLS Cup Playoffs since 2020. Sargent joins fellow US internationals Djordje Mihailovic and Walker Zimmerman as part of a significant roster overhaul under second-year head coach Robin Fraser.
