When Alexander Isak completed his surprise move to Liverpool on deadline day this summer, many Newcastle United fans were left with serious concerns.
The Swede had become one of the club’s most consistent and clinical finishers, a player whose sharp instincts in front of goal were often the difference in tight matches.
Losing such a key figure naturally sparked questions about whether Newcastle’s replacements could match his incredible output.
Fast forward six weeks, and those doubts have started to fade. Nick Woltemade, who joined from Stuttgart for £69 million, has made an instant impact.
His movement, strength, and finishing have already earned praise from fans and pundits alike. Many now believe he has done more than enough to justify his price tag and prove himself as a worthy successor to Isak.
Alongside him, Yoane Wissa’s arrival added more attacking depth, with the Brentford forward expected to make his debut soon after recovering from a minor injury. For now, goalscoring doesn’t appear to be Newcastle’s biggest concern.
However, the club’s transfer activity before those two major signings tells another story. During the summer, Newcastle were linked with several strikers as they explored all possible options.
Names like Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko were repeatedly mentioned in connection with St James’ Park. All three eventually chose different paths, moving to other clubs across Europe.
Yet, according to new reports, Newcastle may still be keeping tabs on another striker one with previous Premier League experience and a point to prove.
Spanish outlet Marca recently revealed that Newcastle United scouts were spotted during the Madrid derby last month a thrilling game in which Atletico Madrid defeated Real Madrid 5-2.
The report claims the scouts were there specifically to monitor Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth, who found the back of the net in that match.
Interestingly, Marca noted that as soon as Sørloth was substituted, the two Newcastle representatives left the stadium, strongly suggesting he was the focus of their attention rather than any other player.
Sørloth’s name may ring a bell for Premier League fans. He previously spent time at Crystal Palace, though his stint in England was far from successful.
The Norwegian striker made 12 league appearances without scoring a single goal before moving abroad to rebuild his reputation. Since then, Sørloth has gradually restored his form across various European leagues, and now, under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid, he’s beginning to find consistency again.
So far this season, he’s scored two goals in seven La Liga matches a steady start for a player adjusting to Simeone’s demanding system.
But while the idea of Sørloth joining Newcastle sounds interesting, the logistics of such a move are complicated. His current contract with Atletico Madrid runs until 2028, which means any deal would require a significant transfer fee.
Moreover, Simeone is unlikely to part with the striker easily, especially with Antoine Griezmann aging and potential rumors surrounding Julian Alvarez’s future. Atletico wouldn’t want to weaken their attacking options in the middle of a demanding season.
Financially, the deal could also be problematic. Sørloth earns around €3 million per year, and Villarreal, his former club, still hold a 20% sell-on clause.
Those factors combined would make him an expensive acquisition for Newcastle, especially considering his age 29 and mixed record in top-tier leagues.
Despite this, there are growing signs that Newcastle could still look to add another striker in January. Local reports have hinted that the club’s recruitment team is keeping its options open, particularly if circumstances change.
For instance, young Danish forward Will Osula has been linked with a possible loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt, and if that happens, it could leave a gap in the squad.
Additionally, Wissa’s recent knee issue might affect his availability and immediate impact, creating further uncertainty up front.
Even so, a move for Sørloth feels unlikely at this stage. Newcastle’s transfer strategy under Eddie Howe and the club’s sporting directors has focused heavily on younger players who can grow within the system and maintain long-term value.
Investing in a nearly 30-year-old forward who struggled during his last Premier League stint doesn’t seem to fit that model.
Sørloth’s physical presence and aerial dominance certainly align with the type of forward Newcastle has favored in recent years, but his previous experience in England raises doubts.
Back then, he struggled to adapt to the intensity and pace of the league, and it remains uncertain whether things would be different now.
While his resurgence in Spain shows he has developed, committing a large financial package to bring him back to the Premier League could be a gamble the club isn’t willing to take.
Ultimately, while the idea of Newcastle officials watching Sørloth in Spain has created buzz among fans, it may have been nothing more than a routine scouting trip.
The club often keeps tabs on multiple targets across Europe, monitoring performances and potential availability well in advance of future transfer windows.
For now, Newcastle’s attack seems well-equipped with Woltemade’s impressive form and Wissa’s return on the horizon. However, football is unpredictable, and the January transfer window always brings surprises.
Should injuries or departures shift the balance, Sørloth’s name might reappear on the radar but until then, Newcastle’s focus remains on maximizing the talent they already have.
In the end, this rumor highlights one thing clearly: Newcastle’s ambition hasn’t slowed down. Even with new stars already shining, the club continues to look for ways to strengthen, evolve, and prepare for the challenges ahead both in the Premier League and beyond.
