USMNT star Josh Sargent ready for ‘big European leagues’ as ex-Norwich striker sends transfer advice to ‘real No.9’ ahead of home World Cup in 2026

The United States international has seen a move away from Norwich speculated on throughout the latest recruitment window. He is, however, still at Carrow Road a matter of days before the next deadline passes.

Teams in the Premier League and Bundesliga have been credited with interest in the 25-year-old striker, as a return to his homeland in MLS is played down, but no deal has been done amid talk of a £20 million ($27m) asking price. 

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Quizzed on whether he is surprised to see Sargent - who has netted 31 goals across the last two seasons - still at Norwich, former Canaries frontman Cameron Jerome, speaking in association with William Hill, told GOAL: “Absolutely. I’ve said it a couple of times that I think he is one of the better forwards in the division. Whether it is the price tag that is putting people off, I’m not sure. He would be a great acquisition for many clubs in the Premier League, especially some of the newly-promoted ones.

“You look around and there aren’t many No.9s, real No.9s. He is certainly one of the better ones in the Championship. I think Norwich will have a battle on their hands to try and persuade him to stay and see the season out with them.”

With a World Cup on home soil to think about in 2026, Sargent may believe that regular game time and goals at Norwich are a safe bet - rather than risking a move elsewhere. Jerome added: “I’m not sure about that. As a player you always want to apply yourself and play at the highest level possible. I feel like he has got that scope in him to go and play in one of the big European leagues, including the Premier League.

“In his situation, with it being a World Cup year and being a home World Cup, he will want to play at the highest level possible to showcase what his skill sets are and stake a claim for his spot in the national team. I believe that the only way you do that is playing games and playing at the highest level.

“You are talking about international football, competitive leagues, and there are players across Europe and across the globe that are playing top-level football, so he will have a battle on his hands to try and make a claim for that jersey come the start of the World Cup.”

Sargent has started the 2025-26 campaign in fine form, registering four goals through as many appearances in all competitions, but he is tied to a contract through to 2028 and that means Norwich are under no pressure to buckle any sale pressure.