Deal on the horizon
US Men’s National Team striker Josh Sargent is poised to make his return to the Bundesliga. Transfermarkt has confirmed reports from Kicker, Gegenpressing, The Athletic, and several other sources indicating that Sargent is on the verge of joining VfL Wolfsburg. While the deal is not yet finalized, Sargent has conveyed his intention to Norwich to pursue this opportunity.
The transfer fee is expected to be around €24 million, including standard add-ons. Once the transfer is official, Sargent will join the ranks of USMNT players who have moved for fees exceeding €20 million. This transfer, including add-ons, would equal the fee Atletico Madrid paid for Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis earlier this week, positioning Sargent among the ten most expensive players in US soccer history.
Josh Sargent’s Move to Wolfsburg – Market Value Surge of €9m Since 2022
This will mark Sargent’s second tenure in the Bundesliga. The 25-year-old forward originally moved to Germany as a teenager to join Werder Bremen’s academy, making his first-team debut in the 2018/19 season with two goals in ten matches. His breakout year followed when he netted four goals and provided four assists across 28 Bundesliga appearances. Unfortunately, his last season with Bremen was marred by the COVID pandemic and culminated in the team’s relegation to the 2. Bundesliga. As a result, Bremen sold Sargent to Norwich for €9.5 million, recognizing him as one of their valuable assets.
Initially, Sargent faced challenges at Norwich, scoring only twice in 26 Premier League appearances. However, his finishing has improved significantly over the past three seasons in the Championship. In the 2022/23 season, he scored 13 goals in 40 league games, followed by 16 in 26 matches, and 15 in 32 games last season. Consequently, his market value has risen from a low of €7 million in 2022 to its current valuation of €16 million.
Now, a return to the Bundesliga is imminent, as Wolfsburg aims to make him a cornerstone of their revamped attack. The club, owned by Volkswagen, endured a disappointing season, resulting in the dismissal of head coach Ralph Hasenhüttl. With aspirations to compete at the highest level, Wolfsburg has been actively searching for a reliable goal-scorer, and Sargent could be that crucial addition, justifying their significant investment in him.
