Norwich City striker Josh Sargent is attracting significant interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and Everton all reportedly keen on securing his services.
According to Ontheminute.com, both Forest and Everton have joined Leeds in the race for the 25-year-old American international. Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg previously reported that Norwich have placed a €15-20m (£12.5-16.7m) price tag on Sargent, who remains under contract at Carrow Road until the summer of 2028.
However, with Norwich seemingly set to miss out on the Championship play-offs, questions are being raised about how much longer Sargent will be willing to remain in the second tier.
Lee Hendrie backs Leeds as ideal destination for Sargent
Speaking to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former player Lee Hendrie weighed in on where Sargent would be the best fit among the interested clubs.
Hendrie acknowledged that Nottingham Forest’s system could suit Sargent, given their reliance on physical strikers like Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi. However, he believes Leeds could be the best option, as they lack a true focal point in attack.
“I think Leeds would be a great move for him,” Hendrie said. “They have talented attacking players, but no real out-and-out number nine since Patrick Bamford. Sargent could bring that missing presence in the box.”
While Everton are also linked, Hendrie pointed out that Beto has found form, potentially limiting Sargent’s opportunities at Goodison Park.
Could Sargent be the number nine Leeds have been missing?
Leeds United have not struggled for goals this season, netting 78 times in 39 Championship matches. However, their top scorer, Joel Piroe, often drifts into deeper positions rather than leading the line as a traditional striker.
Bamford, once Leeds’ main centre-forward, has struggled with form and injuries, failing to score in his limited appearances this season. Meanwhile, young Spanish forward Mateo Joseph is still developing and isn’t yet ready to take on a leading role.
Sargent, in contrast, has proven himself as one of the Championship’s most lethal strikers in recent years. According to FotMob, 40 of his 52 shots this season have come from inside the box, highlighting his natural goal-scoring instincts.
While game time might be a concern at Everton and Nottingham Forest, Sargent could immediately become a key player at Leeds. With a competitive transfer battle on the horizon, the Whites could play a major role in deciding the American’s next move.
