Sargent Shines: Norwich Expects to Keep Striker After Explosive Start

Liam Manning Hopes to Keep Josh Sargent at Norwich City

Norwich City manager Liam Manning expressed his desire not to receive offers for Josh Sargent before the close of the transfer market, after the American striker scored for the third consecutive game at the start of the season. Sargent scored his second goal in two Championship matches, adding to the goal he scored midweek in the Carabao Cup, securing Norwich’s 2-1 victory against Portsmouth on Saturday. The striker, who was also captain of the team, continues to be linked with a possible departure from the club, although Manning is confident that he will remain at Carrow Road at the beginning of September.

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“I hope Ben [Knapper, director of football] turns off his phone so we don’t get any calls,” Manning joked.

Liam Manning

“Sarge is a role model in everything you want. He is a first-rate person, a first-rate professional. You see his work rate and how he leads by example. He is first class.”

The 25-year-old player, who joined Norwich from Werder Bremen in 2021, was close to being transferred to Wolfsburg for a figure exceeding 21 million euros ($24.4 million) earlier this summer, but, according to reports, rejected the offer. Sargent scored 15 goals in the English second division last season and, after his goal in the Carabao Cup victory over Watford on Tuesday, Manning described him as the “best striker in the Championship”. The Missouri native has also played 28 games for the United States men’s national team and is firmly in contention for a place in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for next summer’s World Cup.