Chris Sutton says Norwich City must sanction exit for player who has ‘outgrown the club’
Norwich City legend Chris Sutton believes the time has come for the Canaries to sanction an exit for star striker Josh Sargent.
Norwich City have had another challenging season of Championship football but again, a shining light for NCFC has been striker Josh Sargent.
The Canaries are still in with a chance of the play-offs but the feeling is that Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side will be remaining in the second-tier.
That looks set to lead to exits, and alongside Spanish winger Borja Sainz, talisman Sargent is among those expected to attract high-profile interest when the summer window comes around.
And, among those who feel the time has come for Norwich City to let Sargent head for pastures new is legend Chris Sutton.
Writing in his column for the Pink Un, former Canaries hotshot Sutton said he feels that Sargent has ‘outgrown the club’ and that it will be best for all if he gets the move he deserves. Sutton said:
“He has now outgrown the club as a player, and everybody can see that. It’s time for everyone involved—club, fans, and player—to shake hands and for him to leave.”
Sargent still has over three years left on his NCFC contract, last signing an extension in October 2023.
Destined for a higher level?
Norwich City signed Sargent in 2021 when they were a Premier League side. He struggled to make an impact in the top-flight after moving over from Germany but over time, he has developed into a fine striker.
13 goals and five assists in 25 games this season ranks him amongst the Championship’s top goal contributors, even with a long spell out through a groin injury.
Sargent now has 42 goals and nine assists to his name in 91 Championship outings, a record that surely warrants a shot at a higher level. With NCFC set to stay in the second-tier, Sutton may be right in putting forward that the time has come for him to step up.
A big summer at Norwich City
Many will put this season down as a transitional one under the new management of Thorup and sporting directorship of Ben Knapper. However, looking to the 2025/26 campaign, expectations will be higher.
Norwich City have some big strides to make and the summer window will be key. They have to improve and sanctioning a sale for a big asset like Sargent could fund some notable additions.
The Canaries would have the task of replacing the American hotshot, but they are sure to have options on the radar already amid speculation over Sargent’s future.
Update emerges on rumoured Sheffield United interest in Norwich City star
Sheffield United do not have Norwich City’s Borja Sainz on their radar and a Bramall Lane move is highly unlikely, as per The Star.
Sheffield United are currently prioritising their bid for promotion from the Championship but there are eyes on the long-term at SUFC too.
Chris Wilder and the recruitment team at Bramall Lane have embarked on a big rebuild over the course of the 2024/25 campaign. And, if promotion is won, this summer is sure to be a busy one too.
Despite the undecided outcome of this season, the Blades will likely already have eyes on potential summer targets. One man linked with a switch has been Norwich City’s Borja Sainz, with reports saying he would be targeted by SUFC regardless of how this season ends.
Now though, local news outlet The Star has played down claims of Sheffield United moving for Sainz.
They state that the Championship’s top scorer is not currently on the radar of Wilder and the Blades. Things would have to ‘change dramatically’ for Sainz to become an SUFC player this summer, it is added.
Sainz sees his Norwich City deal expire in 2026 and a move seems likely, so there is bound to be plenty of interest from elsewhere.
On the move
It seems likely that Sainz is on the move from Norwich City this summer. It may not be to Sheffield United amid these new reports, but a move elsewhere is on the cards.
Enjoying such a fine year heading into the last 12 months of his contract is sure to prompt firm interest. Clubs have been linked with the Spaniard all season and once the Canaries’ Championship stay is confirmed, Sainz will likely turn his eyes on an exit.
Norwich may well hold hope of tying him down to a new deal but as they struggle to make the step up, Sainz is capable of making a jump. Selling him this summer ensures they still get a good fee for him.
Upgrades required
Sheffield United boss Wilder will have faith that a good number of his current squad can make the step up to the Premier League if they are successful in their promotion bid.
