Josh Sargent did not dress in Norwich City’s 5-1 FA Cup victory over Walsall on Saturday and we now know why.

Sargent made himself unavailable for the match due to the reported rumblings of MLS interest, Canaries manager Philippe Clement confirmed during his postmatch availability at Carrow Road. The American striker has recently been linked with a move to Toronto FC in a deal worth reportedly $18 million, per The Athletic.

“Josh sent me a message [on Saturday] evening saying he would not be available because of transfer things in his head, Clement said in an interview, transcribed by BBC Norfolk. “This is obviously not something we want, and will have consequences. It is something we need to speak about inside the club, but the club has made it really clear to Josh and his agent that he will not be leaving during this transfer window.”

Sargent joined Norwich City in August 2021 from German side Werder Bremen and has scored 56 goals in 157 appearances for the Canaries. The American forward was part of the Canaries’ last season in the English Premier League before playing each of the last four campaigns in the EFL Championship.

Sargent was previously linked with a move away from Norwich City over the summer, with Leeds United, Burnley, and Werder Bremen all reportedly showing interest. However, a deal was not agreed upon and Sargent stayed part of then-manager Liam Manning’s plans.

Sargent had started each of the last three league matches under Clement, despite missing some time due to a concussion. Jovon Makama has filled in during Sargent’s absence, recently scoring a hat trick in the FA Cup romp to take his season tally to 12 in all competitions.

Whether Sargent remains a Norwich City player at the end of January remains to be seen, but should he stay, it sounds like he will face some internal punishment from Clement for missing the club’s most recent match.