Josh Sargent is closing on his move from Norwich City to Toronto FC in the MLS after the clubs agreed a £15.5million deal.
Sargent had determined that he had played his last game for Norwich City after feeling he was disrespected in a clear the air meeting with club bosses.
Toronto moved for the USA international in December, and he wanted to return to the MLS for the sake of his young family.
The 25-year-old held discussions with head coach Philippe Clement and sporting director Ben Knapper to explain his desire to go after Toronto made their offer.
However, in a heated discussion, Knapper is alleged to have made a remark in relation to Sargent’s family that left the striker feeling disrespected and very upset.
Sargent wants to return to the USA for his three young children and wife.
Josh Sargent vowed never to play for Norwich again after a meeting with club chiefs
He was left out of the first-team squad for disciplinary reasons after telling Clement he was unavailable to face Walsall in January and was banished to train with the club’s U21s as Toronto’s bid became public knowledge.
Norwich City have since completed the signing of 21-year-old Australian striker Mohamed Toure from Danish club Randers FC on a four-and-a-half-year deal for £2.6m.
Norwich boss Clement said in relation to Sargent last month: ‘I’m not going into details – but he knows why he is training with the second team and we will see how it evolves in the future.’
Sargent scored 56 goals for the Canaries in 157 games and the club had said he will not be sold during February’s transfer window unless their valuation was met.
But Clement added: ‘In football, you can never say never. If somebody comes tomorrow to pay £100m for Josh, he will go. Saying no to everything will not be the case, but only if it’s something that’s a win situation for the club (will he leave).’
The clubs are now finalising terms of the £15.5m deal and Sargent will sign a five-year contract at Toronto.