Don Goodman understands why Leeds United might be interested in signing Josh Sargent, but he does not anticipate Norwich City to sell for less than £10 million.
On May 19, Mirror journalist Darren Witcoop stated that Leeds are one of the clubs interested in Sargent, who is expected to leave Carrow Road this summer.
Sargent’s Norwich contract is still valid for four years, and the Canaries will not let a player who scored 16 goals in 28 Championship games last season leave on the cheap.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News about the club’s alleged interest in the American, Goodman said: “There’s an element of being realistic with targets, but you’re also not going to get Josh Sargeant cheaply.
“I believe you’re talking about £10 million or more; he’s Norwich’s prized asset, and they’ve recently hired a new manager who will want to move the club forward. So they will be hesitant to sell one of, if not the best, players they have, especially as Leeds are a direct competition.
“On the other hand, if Leeds flex their muscles and Sargeant becomes unsettled and insists on playing for Leeds United, he would be an excellent signing for them, without a question.
“They’d have to manage his body and keep him fit; that’s why Norwich suffered without him, because he’s an amazing player. But it’s going to be a long summer, with plenty of drama at Leeds, no doubt.”
Would Josh Sargent be a good fit for Leeds United?
Leeds are currently not in desperate need of a new attacking player. However, it seems expected that at least one of Willy Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, and Joel Piroe will leave before long.
If Leeds can get in £25 million or more for Summerville while spending less than half of that on a replacement, it has to be deemed smart business.
The objective will be to keep Summerville, but Leeds fans must be realistic about what is required in the summer transfer market.
Sargent may not be a household name, but he scored 0.78 goals per 90 minutes in the 2023-24 Championship season [FBref], ranking seventh among all players who played more than eight games.
At £10 million, that would be a terrific investment for the team to get things started this summer.
