Sargent situation ‘difficult’ for everyone – McLean.
Norwich City captain Kenny McLean believes the long-term absence of striker Josh Sargent has been “difficult” for his teammates and other club officials.
Sargent, a USA international, is likely to join Major League Soccer club Toronto FC after missing the Canaries’ FA Cup match against Walsall last month.
The Canaries are thought to have agreed to an agreement in which they will receive an initial £15.5 million, with add-ons totalling more than £20 million.
“I completely understand the fans’ frustration – a couple of months ago we were talking about having the best player in the Championship,” McLean told BBC Radio Norfolk.
“Then we lost him, which is not nice for anybody.” I have a lot of affection for Josh’s family, therefore I won’t say anything negative about him.
“I’m sure the fans would enjoy it if I did but it’s a situation that’s played out the way nobody wanted it to.”
McLean, a midfielder, stated that there had been “constant questions” regarding the Sargent situation around the club and in the dressing room in recent weeks.
“I’ve had my say to the lads, Josh, and the club, but that will stay in house,” he continued. “It’s been difficult, of course, but it’s resolved now so we can move on.”
Sargent has 56 goals in 157 appearances for Norwich since coming from Werder Bremen in 2021, and he started the season strong, scoring six goals in the first five games.
However, he has only scored two more goals since then and has been benched by head coach Philippe Clement, who was appointed in November, after Sargent texted that he did not want to play against Walsall due to “transfer things in his head”.
Norwich have risen out of the Championship relegation zone since Clement’s appointment, but suffered a blow on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Birmingham City, despite McLean’s ferocious drive into the top corner giving them hope for a point.
They will attempt to rebound positively on Wednesday, when they host already relegated Sheffield Wednesday at Carrow Road.
McLean, a Scotland international, stated that despite the defeat, the team was pressing forward and would have preferred an extra 10 minutes.
He also stated that the fans will support the team against Wednesday based on their performance.
We are responding to them, and they are responding to us, so things are definitely improving.”
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