Godwin ObajeLeeds United Eye Hijack of Josh Sargent Transfer as 49ers Ramp Up Attack Plans
Leeds United are being tipped to hijack Wolfsburg’s move for Norwich City striker Josh Sargent, with the 49ers Enterprises exploring the possibility of bringing the American international to Elland Road before the summer window progresses further.
According to The Athletic, the Bundesliga outfit remain in talks with Norwich over a transfer for Sargent, but no agreement has yet been reached. That delay has seemingly opened the door for Leeds, who are actively seeking a new number nine to strengthen their Premier League survival bid.
Sargent, 25, enjoyed a standout campaign in the Championship last season, scoring 15 goals and contributing five assists in just 32 appearances — making him the fourth-highest goalscorer in the division. Norwich reportedly value the striker at around £16million, a fee that would represent a relatively affordable option for a Premier League side in need of attacking reinforcement.
With Callum Wilson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin also linked with the Whites, Sargent is now emerging as a serious target — especially as manager Daniel Farke could lose Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph this window. Real Betis are understood to be monitoring Joseph, while Bamford’s role under Farke continues to diminish.
Farke’s faith in Joel Piroe was repaid last season, but it’s widely accepted that Leeds need more firepower if they are to compete effectively in the top flight. The recent arrivals of Gabriel Gudmundsson, Seb Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, and Lukas Nmecha have added depth across the pitch, but none represents the kind of attacking statement signing the club arguably needs.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson has warned that prudent spending may not be enough to avoid another immediate relegation.
“It’s not a lack of ambition, it’s low-balling, that’s what it is — it’s managing what budget they’ve got,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“We’re not privy to the information of the budget we’ve got, we’re not sure how tight to FFP and PSR they’re going to be. But actually, if you’re going to stay in the Premier League, you have to speculate to accumulate.”
Robinson continued by comparing Leeds’ £30million spend so far this summer with the more aggressive approaches of other newly promoted clubs.
“£30million for the number of players that they’ve brought in is absolutely nothing. You’re not going to compete by spending £30m on four or five players… You’re going to have to take a chance in the Premier League, have a gamble, and give yourself a chance of surviving.”
Despite PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) constraints potentially limiting the 49ers’ scope in the transfer market, Leeds fans will be hoping for further moves in the coming weeks — with the need for a proven striker and an experienced goalkeeper seen as top priorities.
With Wolfsburg still yet to seal the deal for Sargent, Leeds could capitalise on the delay and swoop in decisively. Whether or not they take that gamble may define their Premier League campaign.
Godwin Obaje
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