Chris Sutton has strongly advised Norwich City to resist the temptation of selling Josh Sargent, who has garnered interest from Major League Soccer (MLS), particularly from FC Cincinnati. The American forward, a crucial part of Norwich’s squad, was the subject of a $20 million (£15.1 million) offer earlier this month, which the club promptly declined. Despite this, there is speculation that Norwich may be willing to part with Sargent if their $25 million (£18.9 million) asking price is met before the transfer window closes.
Sargent’s importance to Norwich cannot be overstated. In the early stages of this season, he has already netted two goals in three games, building on his impressive tally from last season, where he scored 16 goals in 26 matches. His performances have made him a vital player for the team, particularly after a season where injuries kept him sidelined for several months. Sutton argues that losing Sargent at this crucial juncture would be disastrous for the team’s morale and the fans’ optimism, especially after the recent departures of other key players.
Norwich has already seen significant changes this summer, with notable players like Gabriel Sara and Jonathan Rowe being sold for substantial fees. The loss of these players has already placed immense pressure on head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup. According to Sutton, allowing Sargent to leave would be a blow too heavy for the team to bear, as it would severely diminish their chances of challenging for a top-six finish in the Championship this season.
The transfer window deadline looms, and Norwich faces a tough decision. The club has made some signings, such as Ante Crnac and Ben Chrisene, but replacing a player of Sargent’s caliber this late in the window seems unlikely. Sutton emphasizes that fans rely on Sargent not just for his goals but also for his ability to lead the attack. Losing him, especially after a rocky start to the season with no wins in the first three games, could severely damage the team’s prospects and fan support.
In conclusion, while the financial allure of a transfer might be tempting, the potential repercussions of losing Sargent could outweigh the immediate benefits. Sutton’s plea is clear: for the sake of the team’s stability and the fans’ hopes, Norwich City must hold onto Josh Sargent.
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