If Chris Sutton is right about Norwich City and Josh Sargent - The Canaries must target these 3 strikers ASAP | OneFootball

Norwich City must search far and wide to find the best possible replacement for Josh Sargent if the American leaves this summerNorwich City must searc

Former Norwich City favourite Chris Sutton’s belief that Josh Sargent has outgrown the club is a stark reminder that the Canaries might have to replace their star striker this summer.

After a tough start to life in Norfolk, USMNT forward Sargent has blossomed into the main man at Carrow Road – which has started to attract interest from other clubs.

Norwich City must have a contingency plan in place in case they lose the striker this summer – with Football League World suggesting three potential targets.

Dejan Joveljić

Full Serbian international ripping up the MLS

Whilst Norwich did not sign Josh Sargent directly from the United States, they might be wise to look to the US’s top league to find a replacement for their American striker.

The MLS has constantly improved over the years, with the league slowly moving away from its reputation as a place for European stars to retire.

Some Europeans now head over to the States to make a name for themselves, with Dejan Joveljić a prime example.

The Serbian left Eintracht Frankfurt after loan spells in Belgium and Austria to join LA Galaxy in 2021 with the aim of securing regular game time.

That proved to be an inspired decision, with his goal contributions in LA leading to a first call up to the Serbian national team in the summer of 2021.

45 goals in 123 appearances for LA Galaxy led to a $4million move to Sporting Kansas City ahead of the 2025 campaign, making Joveljić the first player to be transferred between two MLS clubs for just a transfer fee, rather than the traditional trade method.

At 25, Joveljić is the right blend of proven experience with potential to grow further, allowing him to pick up where Sargent may leave off.

The Championship would also give the striker the platform to make a name for himself in Europe, boosting his chances of adding more caps for Serbia to his current tally of seven.

Martijn Kaars

Dutch striker firing club from midtable to promoton contenders

Rather than look to Sargent’s country of birth, Norwich could also look to the same league they found their current talisman.

Norwich swooped to sign the American from Werder Bremen in the 2. Bundesliga a few games into the 2021-22 season, following the side’s relegation from the Bundesliga the season prior.

Whilst Sargent played only twice in the German second tier, Martin Kaars is enjoying a very productive campaign for Magdeburg in the 2. Bundesliga.

Kaars’ double-digit figures for goals has helped Magdeburg go from a midtable finish last term to potential promotion candidates – something that Norwich will hope to replicate next season.

It is the 26-year-old's first season in the German second tier, having played the entirety of his senior career at the second level of Dutch football.

The Dutchman was once a hot prospect in his native country, representing the Netherlands at under-18 level and coming through Ajax’s academy.

However, he never made the mark at the European giants, but enjoyed a healthy goalscoring record in the Eerste Divisie.

Last season he notched 21 goals in 38 league matches for Helmond Sport, paving the way for his move to Germany.

Like Sargent, Kaars is capable of playing anywhere across the front line, which alongside his goalscoring ability, could make him an ideal replacement if the American departs this summer.

Other Championship clubs have apparently taken notice, with Derby County reportedly sending a scout to watch the striker.

Emil Riis

Proven Championship goalscorer available on a free

Of course, Norwich could be better off looking closer to home, turning to an option already proven in the Championship.

Whilst Norwich could secure a healthy transfer fee for the services of Sargent, they might be able to replace him for very little.

Preston North End frontman Emil Riis is out of contract this summer, and as he is 26-years-old, Norwich would not have to pay compensation for the Danish striker.

Riis has a solid if not unremarkable record at Championship level, but when it is considered that he has played for a middling Preston North End side constantly marooned in midtable, it becomes slightly more respectable.

This season he has reached double digits for league goals, whilst in his last “full" season, before an ACL injury, he plundered 16 goals in 44 second tier matches in the 2021/22 campaign.

The ability to add a Championship-proven goalscorer for free would allow Norwich to re-invest Sargent’s potential sale into the rest of the team – and perhaps even offer new contracts on improved terms to players that could be subject to transfer interest this summer, such as Borja Sainz.