EXCLUSIVE

Josh Sargent must time any Norwich City move to perfection.

Josh Sargent must pace his return to the Premier League carefully, as speculation about his future at Norwich City persists.

That is according to former City defender Danny Mills, who believes the American international would be better served by another season scoring freely for the Canaries rather than a top-flight transfer. Ahead of a home World Cup for City’s number nine, what happens this summer is important to his chances of regaining his place in Maurico Pochettino’s plans after missing the previous two squads.

Roma and Leeds United have previously been linked with a bid for City’s striker, but former City defender Mills feels Sargent should think twice before leaving Carrow Road. “I believe that sometimes players enter the Premier League too quickly, which is not always the best decision, and their careers can stall or even regress,” Mills told the Pink Un via William Hill Vegas. “It’s a huge step. It used to be that when I played, it was just one step to the Premier League. Now it’s four or five. Mentally, the game moves considerably more quickly. Players are considerably sharper. They get to the ball faster. You don’t have as much thinking time.

“You don’t get the opportunity to make as many mistakes. You don’t get as many opportunities to score goals or to get on the ball. It’s difficult.

“He’s got an opportunity. If he was going to go to the Premier League, you’d assume it would be towards the lower end. The problem that you have then is, you don’t have as much as the ball, you’re not winning as many football matches, and you’re on the back foot.

Josh Sargent is gaining notice following his goal-scoring heroics with Norwich City. (Image by Matt Wilkinson/Focus Images Ltd.) “There is always a danger involved. You don’t always reach your full potential, despite having a lot of the ball and being able to be one of the major teams and stars on the team. “Suddenly, you’re spending more than half of your time pursuing the ball. That is not easy. “If you were a manager, would you take a player to the World Cup who is consistently performing well in the Championship or one who is struggling in the Premier League?” I’d always go with the athlete that is confident and plays well.”

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