Norwich City handed Josh Sargent transfer scare by Sunderland | OneFootball

Sunderland were keen to strike a deal for Norwich's star striker

Sunderland have explored a deadline-day move for Norwich City striker Josh Sargent.

The Canaries have experienced contrasting fortunes during the start of their 2025/26 campaign, enjoying victories over Portsmouth and Blackburn whilst succumbing to losses against Millwall and Middlesbrough.

Liam Manning’s side head into the international break sat 11th in the table, just two points outside the play-off positions they will ultimately be aiming to finish in. However, they may have to achieve that goal without their star player.

Sunderland eyeing up Josh Sargent move

Sargent has been a hot topic of conversation throughout the summer of 2025, with a move away from Carrow Road seemingly inevitable at times.

Bundesliga side Wolfsburg reportedly agreed a deal worth £21 million for his services, but the striker turned that move down, whilst Premier League outfits such as Leeds United and Burnley have also been strongly linked with a swoop.

With such little time left in the window, the possibility of Sargent staying at Norwich became increasingly realistic; however there may have been a late twist in the tale.

According to Football Insider, Sunderland were exploring a move for the USMNT forward on deadline day.

The Mackems reportedly made contact with Norwich about a potential transfer, following Chelsea’s decision to recall Marc Guiu after Liam Delap suffered a long-term injury.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke stated via X that the Black Cats have explored a move for Sargent but are set to sign Ajax forward Brian Brobbey, which could cast doubt over their ability to acquire the Canaries’ talisman.

Sargent is the Championship’s top scorer after four games, bagging five goals to continue his seriously impressive form from the past two campaigns.

In fact, only Harry Darling has scored another of Norwich’s goals in the league, highlighting how important retaining the striker is for Manning’s side.

Losing Josh Sargent would be a deadline day blow for Norwich City

Over the past few seasons, Sargent has emerged as arguably the Championship’s best striker and he doesn’t look to have let transfer speculation affect his performances during the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

The 25-year-old has netted 37 times in his last 65 second-tier appearances, which explains why there was so much interest in his services this summer.

Losing that output would’ve been a huge blow for Manning and Co. at any point throughout the transfer window, but having to sell Sargent on deadline day would’ve soured the situation even further.

It wouldn’t have provided Norwich any time to recruit a suitable replacement and could potentially have had devastating consequences after 46 games.