Soccer stars go to extreme lengths to secure transfers once they have made up their minds. Players have flown overseas before a deal is agreed, but the most common tactic is refusing to play.
USMNT Star Refused To Play FA Cup Tie
The transfer window is commonly known as the silly season, and the name is very apt. Players tend to do the craziest things, and we hear the craziest rumors all the time.
This time in the spotlight is USMNT star Josh Sargent. The forward refused to play for Norwich City in its FA Cup clash against Walsall, determined to join Toronto FC ahead of the 2026 MLS season.
The 25-year-old, who has scored eight goals this season, could have added to his tally in the match but opted to sit out. He sent a message to the club’s head coach, Philippe Clement, a day before the tie, citing the transfer.
The manager was clearly unimpressed and hinted that the striker would face a fine or a suspension at the club in the coming days. He told the media (per BBC):
“Josh sent me a message (on Saturday) evening saying he would not be available because of transfer things in his head. This is obviously not something we want, and will have consequences. It is something we need to speak about inside the club, but the club has made it really clear to Josh and his agent that he will not be leaving during this transfer window.”
READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds-Led Wrexham Tipped To Make Move for $23M USMNT Attacker
Journalist Samuel Seaman has now slammed Sargent for his behavior, saying the forward is tarnishing his legacy at the club with his recent actions. He understands the reaction from the manager and the fans, who are angry at the forward, adding that it was a shame to see him ending his time at the club in such fashion. He said on the Pink Un podcast:
“When we found out Josh Sargent hadn’t been involved against Walsall, said, ‘Oh, well, he must be off then’. I can understand why fans are disappointed. They’re angry, because it does feel like a bit of a betrayal, and it mainly just feels like a shame given the success that he’s had at the football club, and you don’t really want it to end in that way. But sad as it is, I don’t think we can argue any way other than to say that he’s now tarnished his legacy at the club, and, you know, we’ll have to see to what extent, but it’s mainly just a shame, I think.”
Apart from Toronto FC, Wrexham is also said to be interested in the USMNT star as it looks to reach the Premier League next season.
