Wrexham have been handed a clear transfer recommendation to pursue a multi-million pound move for Norwich City striker Josh Sargent this January.
Striker's Absence Sparks Transfer Speculation
The advice comes from former Wales and Norwich forward Iwan Roberts, following a weekend where the 25-year-old US international made himself unavailable for his current club's FA Cup third-round victory. Norwich hammered Walsall 5-1 on Sunday without Sargent, who had featured in their previous three Championship matches.
This conspicuous absence has fuelled speculation about the player's future, with reports suggesting MLS side Toronto FC have prepared a bid worth around £13.5 million. Sargent is understood to be keen to secure regular first-team football to cement his place in the USA squad for the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted in his home country.
Roberts Backs Move But Highlights Potential Issue
Speaking to the Fearless in Devotion podcast, Roberts advocated for the Hollywood-owned Red Dragons to enter the race. "I think it would be a really good addition, because he's a good player," Roberts stated. "He's good with his back to goal and he can score goals."
However, the pundit also sounded a note of caution, questioning Sargent's recent conduct and highlighting a potential obstacle at the Racecourse Ground. "I think that [not starting] would be a big issue for Sargent," Roberts explained. "He wants to be starting every game from now until the end of the season because of the World Cup."
This need for guaranteed minutes could complicate a move, with Wales striker Kieffer Moore currently leading Wrexham's attack. Despite this, Roberts believes Sargent's quality would benefit any Championship side.
Norwich Boss Issues Firm 'Not For Sale' Stance
Any potential deal faces a significant hurdle, as Norwich City manager Philippe Clement has insisted the club will not allow Sargent to depart this month. Clement revealed the striker sent him a text message on Saturday evening declaring himself unavailable due to "transfer things in his head," an act the manager said "will have consequences."
"The club has made it really clear to Josh and his agent that he will not be leaving during this transfer window," Clement asserted firmly.
Sargent, who joined Norwich from Werder Bremen in August 2021, has scored 56 goals in 157 appearances for the Canaries, including eight in 25 games this season. His potential suitors, Wrexham, are enjoying a strong campaign under Phil Parkinson. They sit ninth in the Championship, just one point off the play-off places, and are buoyed by a recent FA Cup penalty shootout win over Premier League Nottingham Forest.
Roberts, while backing a move for Sargent, conceded that Parkinson's squad is already strong. "I look at that squad and it's as strong as any in the division," he said. The two clubs are set for a direct showdown this Saturday, 17 January 2026, when Norwich travel to north Wales for a league fixture.
