Newcastle United have been linked with a shock move for Atletico Madrid star Alexander Sorloth, who could leave the La Liga giants after just one year.
With the days ticking down, the Magpies need to sign another striker before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Newcastle United look likely to miss out on signing Yoane Wissa, with the DR Congo star returning to Brentford training earlier this week. Several top targets have come and gone this summer, with the likes of Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko moving elsewhere despite bids being made by Newcastle.
In his latest press conference, head coach Eddie Howe stated that Newcastle are looking to sign a replacement for Callum Wilson, rather than Alexander Isak, who is pushing for a move away from the Magpies this summer.
Howe’s recruitment team have been searching far and wide for a new striker, and have now landed on Atletico Madrid ace Alexander Sorloth. The 29-year-old could be available this summer after scoring an impressive 20 goals in 35 La Liga appearances last season.
Newcastle are ‘discussing’ making a move for Sorloth, but comments from Manchester City star Erling Haaland in 2020 may help them make their decision.
Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth together during a World Cup qualifier between Norway and Italy.
Photo by LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP via Getty Images
Erling Haaland raves about Newcastle United target Alexander Sorloth
Sorloth would be a great replacement for Wilson, but there will surely be concerns over whether he can find the same goalscoring form he hit in Turkey and Spain.
The Norwegian international has already played in the Premier League, failing to score in his one season at Crystal Palace.
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Despite the setback in England, Sorloth has enjoyed a dramatic career resurgence, which started with Turkish side Trabzonspor. The 29-year-old scored 33 goals in 49 appearances during his only season in Turkey before earning a move to RB Leipzig.
In March 2020, Sorloth was at the peak of his powers, having registered 31 goal involvements at the time. His form sparked Haaland, who was only 19 at the time, to comment “King of the North” on his Instagram page.
Alexander Sorloth has unfinished business in the Premier League
It remains to be seen how much Sorloth will cost Newcastle this summer, but the hope is it will be less than the £60m they were quoted by Brentford for Wissa.
The Norwegian star never found the back of the net for Palace, but with more experience gained abroad, Newcastle fans will hope that Sorloth can be a success on Tyneside.
While his time in England was far from successful, Sorloth still believed there was more to come from him in the Premier League while at Palace.
“It started well in the Premier League. I got right in and got to play some games and thought I was doing my things well. Then I got an injury. This season has been tough,” he said in a 2019 interview.
“The reason for the loan move is to regain confidence and play football matches and hopefully score some goals and get stronger.
“I still have three years left of the contract with Palace and have the belief that I can still play in the Premier League.”