Josh Sargent joins Toronto FC in record-breaking transfer

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In terms of transfers, this is a bloody big one. In fact, it’s Toronto FC’s biggest one yet.

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Toronto FC announced on Friday that it has brought in U.S. international striker Josh Sargent for a club-record transfer fee from Norwich City of England’s League Championship.

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TFC, which reportedly had been in negotiations over acquiring the forward for months, sealed a deal worth a reported $22 million US, which could rise to a league-record $27 million with add-ons.

Sargent joins the Reds as a Designated Player signing with his contract running through the 2029-30 season. His annual salary has yet to be reported.

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“We are thrilled to welcome Josh to Toronto FC as a foundational piece of what we have been building here at the club since last summer,” Toronto FC general manger Jason Hernandez said in a press release on Friday. “He brings high-level experience in some of the strongest leagues in the world and international pedigree at just 26 years old.

“He is a proven goalscorer, with a winning mentality and the intelligence that will lead our attack for years to come. Josh will just begin to enter the prime of his career while representing our club and our city. When we started conversations with Josh and his representation, it was very evident that he isn’t just the right player, but the right person to elevate the culture we have been building.

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“We are excited for him and his family to start this new journey with us in Toronto, and we look forward to everyone supporting him as he steps on the field to fight for our badge.”

What are Sargent’s stats?

After joining Norwich in 2021, Sargent made 157 appearances across all competitions, scoring 56 goals for the club including 16 during the 2023-24 season.

At his previous club, Sargent scored 15 times in 83 appearances for Werder Bremen in Germany. He also has potted five goals in 29 games for the United States national team.

MLSE President & CEO Keith Pelley said that the addition of Sargent pushes TFC one step forward towards returning to MLS championship contention.

“Josh Sargent is a world-class player and person, and his addition marks an important step forward in our work to deliver a second MLS Cup championship to our supporters and city,” Pelley said in a statement. “Today is a very good day for Toronto FC and its supporters, but we know that today is just one step in the process. There is much work still to do.”

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What did Sargent say about the move?

Sargent, a native of O’Fallon, Mo., said that he’s excited to start a “new chapter” in his life at TFC.

“I am excited to join Toronto FC and start a new chapter in my life with my family in Toronto,” Sargent said. “I am grateful to everyone at the club for their belief in me and all the support throughout the process to make this move possible. From the initial conversations with Toronto FC, what excited me the most about the project was the ambition to be a competitive and winning team. I can’t wait to hit the ground running and play in front of all the fans at BMO Field.”

Sargent will join TFC’s roster pending a medical and receipt of his work permit and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

As part of the transaction, TFC also sent $500,000 in General Allocation Money over the next two years to St. Louis City SC for its right of first refusal for Sargent. The deal could cost TFC up to an additional $225,000 if certain performance-based metrics are met.

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