Newcastle United's pursuit of a striker seems like it will continue into the final days of the transfer window. Eddie Howe’s side are still without Alexander Isak, who is still not back in training after remaining adamant that he will join Liverpool this summer.
That is a deal that seems likely to go on until Monday’s transfer deadline. In that time, the Magpies will need to focus on centre-forward targets of their own. One of those players is Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Norwegian star got his first couple of goals of the new campaign on Tuesday night, hitting two against West Ham United.
Strand Larsen
The North East giants do seem to have some alternatives lined up if a deal for Strand Larsen does not materialise.
Latest on Newcastle's striker search
The Magpies’ pursuit of Strand Larsen this summer has certainly been frustrating. Howe’s side recently saw a £50m bid rejected by his club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and could return with a new offer before the deadline, with the player himself 'keen' to join.
However, the former Celta Vigo star is not the only Norwegian striker in their sight. According to a recent report from The Athletic, a move for Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth has ‘been discussed’ by the higher-ups at St James’ Park in the past few days.
Of course, he is one of a number of targets for Newcastle, but with options now becoming few and far between so close to Deadline Day, a move for the 29-year-old could materialise.
alexander-sorloth-atletico-madrid
As for his price, Atleti would accept anything that exceeds the £30m they spent on the striker last summer, as per reports.
Why Sorloth would be a good signing
If Newcastle can sign Sorloth this summer, there is no doubt they would be landing a striker at the very top of his game. Described as a “phenomenal” player by manager Diego Simeone, he was excellent for Atleti last term.
Sorloth-Atletico-Madrid-stats
In 54 games across all competitions for the Spanish giants, Sorloth bagged 24 goals. Impressively, he found the back of the net 20 times in La Liga, playing 35 games and 1561 minutes, the equivalent of 17 full 90-minute games.
Already, the former Crystal Palace star has started the season on fire. Despite only playing 76 minutes this term, he has already bagged his first goal of the season, scoring the opener against Elche in what ended a 1-1 draw last weekend.
Despite being at a different stage of his career, it is easy to see why Sorloth could be considered a better signing than Strand Larsen. The Wolves star has shone for the Old Gold so far, and impressed in La Liga before that.
strand-larsen-wolves-premier-league
Last season at Molineux, the 25-year-old scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League games, six fewer than what Sorloth managed for Atleti. In Strand Larsen’s second full season in La Liga for Celta Vigo, he could only bag 13 goals, again less than what his countryman managed.
That experience of scoring regular goals consistently might certainly make Newcastle more interested in signing Sorloth this summer. The former RB Leipzig star, who could be considered something of a journeyman, has played right across Europe and has built up key experience and a knack for finding the back of the net.
In fact, the underlying stats from next season suggest Sortloth would be a better signing than Strand Larsen. For example, he averaged 1.15 goals per 90 minutes compared to just 0.49 goals each game for the Old Gold striker.
Sorloth vs Strand Larsen
Stat (per 90)
Goals
Expected goals
Shots on target
Goals per shot on target
Aerial duels won
Stats from FBref
The fee to sign Sorloth this summer will not break the bank for Newcastle, especially if they sell Isak. The Norwegian star is a true number nine with a great record behind him in recent seasons. It is easy to see why he would be a better addition than Strand Larsen.
With the Magpies looking to bring in a striker who can find the back of the net regularly, Sorloth could be the man to answer their problems.