As Norwich City gears up for their Championship opener against Millwall this Saturday, manager Liam Manning has urged star striker Josh Sargent to keep his focus firmly on football amidst swirling transfer speculation.
Sargent, who enjoyed a standout season last year, has drawn interest from several clubs, with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg emerging as a prominent contender. The 25-year-old's future seemed uncertain when he declined a £20 million move to Germany. Adding to this uncertainty, Sargent faced challenges during Norwich’s pre-season tour in the Netherlands, suffering a head injury in training and experiencing cramping during the latter stages of their final friendly against ADO Den Haag. Read more about Norwich Target Mattsson as Championship Rivals Circle.
Manning has taken a proactive approach to keep Sargent grounded amid the “noise” of transfer discussions. In a recent interview with The Pink'un, he expressed confidence in Sargent's ability to concentrate on the game. “It is tough for Sarge; there is so much noise. I think what he has done a terrific job of is just coming in and enjoying his football. The way he put himself about in this game, you could never question his focus,” Manning remarked. He further emphasised Sargent's leadership qualities and his positive influence on the team, both on and off the pitch, stating, “He is very much 'all in' on what we are doing at the moment. Top person, top professional. You have seen in this game the connection he has with the fans.”
The collapse of the potential move to Wolfsburg is a relief for Manning, especially following the departure of another key player, Borja Sainz, to FC Porto. Last season, Sargent and Sainz combined for an impressive 33 goals, and losing both would have created a significant void in Norwich's attacking line-up.
Interest in Sargent remains robust, with Premier League clubs such as Burnley and Leeds United reportedly keeping tabs on the situation. With over a month left in the transfer window and no immediate offers on the table, Norwich City will be keen to start the season strongly, enhancing their chances of retaining the talented striker.
As Norwich City navigates this crucial phase of their pre-season preparations, Manning has reiterated the importance of focusing on football rather than the distractions of the transfer market. For Sargent, the message is clear: deliver top performances for the Canaries. Read more about Norwich City Unveils Bold Third Kit for 2025-26 Season.