West Ham open Josh Sargent talks as Norwich City drive up striker’s asking price
West Ham are desperate for the January transfer window to open as their Premier League survival credentials come under question.
On Sunday, West Ham were beaten 3-2 by Aston Villa, as Nuno Espirito Santo was questioned for not starting a natural striker, and instead deploying a front three of Lucas Paqueta, Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen.
Exit-bound Niclas Fullkrug was left out of the squad completely, while Callum Wilson was named on the bench, in a clear indication that Nuno doesn’t fancy his current centre-forward options.
That is why the Hammers are being linked to multiple strikers ahead of January, and one of those is Championship goal machine Josh Sargent.
Norwich City want £20m for Josh Sargent
West Ham have shown an interest in signing Sargent from Norwich City, seeing the 25-year-old as a possible Premier League-level finisher.
The USMNT international has established himself as a top-end Championship striker, and will want to prove he can step up to the top-flight after scoring just twice in 26 appearances previously.
Sargent is capable of providing the necessary pace, power and finishing instincts to Nuno’s attack, but he will come at a cost.
According to TEAMtalk, Norwich know how desperate West Ham are to sign a striker next month, and for that reason, may price him at upwards of £20million.
The Hammers have already opened talks to sign Sargent, although the report claims that the Canaries won’t let their prized asset leave easily.
Sargent’s immense Championship record
David Sullivan wants to save as much money as possible on new signings, which is why they’re perhaps reluctant to sign Sargent for £20m.
But to capture a solid striker – who is arguably capable of hitting double figures in the top-flight – this is the going rate.
Thankfully, Sargent has demonstrated that his finishing instincts can see him play at a higher level, boasting an excellent record in the second tier.
| Josh Sargent’s Championship record | Season |
| 20 games, 6 goals* | 2025/26 |
| 32 games, 15 goals | 2024/25 |
| 26 games, 16 goals | 2023/24 |
| 40 games, 13 goals | 2022/23 |
Just like Bowen did before moving from Hull City, the Norwich hitman has surpassed double figures in each of his first three Championship campaigns and will do so in 2025/26 if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks in the New Year.
Sargent could follow in Bowen’s footsteps if he moves to West Ham by becoming a player that Premier League defences fear.
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