Sky Sports Pundit Lee Hendrie Backs Josh Sargent for Potential Premier League Move
Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa defender Lee Hendrie believes Josh Sargent could be in line for a high-profile move to the Premier League this summer. The Norwich City striker has been a prolific goalscorer over the last three Championship seasons, making him an attractive target for top-tier clubs.
Sargent arrived at Carrow Road from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2021 in an £8 million transfer, initially competing in the Premier League. However, his most impressive performances have come in the Championship, where he has cemented his status as one of the league’s most consistent scorers.
Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the 27-cap USA international has netted 27 league goals in just 49 appearances. Despite struggling with injuries this season, he has been in outstanding form when fit, tallying 11 goals and five assists in 21 Championship matches. His recent hot streak—scoring seven goals in his last seven games—will be crucial if Norwich hopes to climb from 11th place into the play-off positions by May.
At 25 years old, Sargent is entering his prime, and Norwich head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup may face a battle to retain him if the club fails to secure promotion. Hendrie believes the striker is reaching a point in his career where a move could be on the horizon.
Hendrie: Sargent Could Attract Premier League Interest
Discussing Sargent’s future with Football League World, Hendrie acknowledged the forward’s growing reputation and hinted at potential top-flight interest:
“Norwich are sitting 11th right now, and they have a shot at making the play-offs. But Sargent is 25, and he’s shown he can be a reliable goal scorer at this level. He’s had some injury setbacks, but at this stage in his career, he has to consider his options if Norwich don’t push for promotion next season.”
Hendrie also pointed out that Norwich’s recent history of bouncing between the Premier League and Championship could influence Sargent’s decision.
“We’ve seen Norwich go up and down. Back in the 2021/22 season, he played in the Premier League but didn’t feature as much or score as many goals. The key now is finding the right club where he can make the step up successfully because Norwich is a fantastic club, but his goal record will start attracting serious interest.”
Sargent Ready for the Premier League?
When Sargent first joined Norwich at 21, he may not have been fully prepared for the demands of top-flight football. However, he has since developed into one of the Championship’s most well-rounded forwards. His ability to find the right positions inside the box, coupled with his impressive goals-per-minute ratio, sets him apart from many second-tier strikers.
Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Sargent brings versatility to his game. He is a strong runner who can stretch defenses, link up play effectively, and create opportunities for teammates—evidenced by his five assists this season. These qualities make him an ideal fit for several lower-half Premier League clubs looking for a reliable forward.
With Norwich likely to face increasing pressure to keep hold of their star striker, this summer could prove pivotal in determining Sargent’s next career move.
