USMNT Star Josh Sargent Responds to Critics After Toronto FC Move

Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

USMNT Star Josh Sargent Responds to Critics After Toronto FC Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 5:06 PM ET

The transfer of Josh Sargent to Toronto FC for $22 million has drawn significant criticism, especially in England. The player has finally broken his silence on the matter.

Sargent, 26, left EFL Championship side Norwich City, where he had played since 2021, to return to North America and play in MLS for the first time.

In statements shared by GOAL's Ryan Tolmich, Sargent said: "I think everybody has seen the drama happening, and I don't want to talk too much about the stuff that's happened at Norwich because, to be honest, I just want to move on from that."

The USMNT striker confessed he is relieved it is all over. "I'm just happy to be here and relieved that it's all over. I just want to play games again."

Josh Sargent #9 of the United States stands for the national anthem before a game between South Korea and the United States (USMNT) at Sports Illustrated Stadium on September 6, 2025, in Harrison, New Jersey.Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

"It's bittersweet because we enjoyed our time over there," he added. "We loved it, but it was getting to a point where we wanted to be closer to home and have the support of our family, have our kids see their grandparents a lot, and have that be more accessible."

Recently, Kaylyn Kyle, a former Canadian soccer player, questioned his transfer to Toronto, explaining that the squad is not up to the demands of the Eastern Conference. She said: "They can't get it wrong."

"You got it wrong with both [Lorenzo] Insigne and [Federico] Bernardeschi, and when the league's good is when Toronto FC are great. And we saw that with Jozy Altidore, Giovinco, when it was the glory days for Toronto."

"That is a lot of money to spend on one player when I don't think the supporting cast is there yet. I think they need two more transfer windows. Kev, if you look at their team right now, other than [Dorde] Mihailovic or Richie Laryea, in the Eastern Conference, who are you trading for to be in your starting XI in a top-6 team? None of them."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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