Craig Hope: Newcastle now chasing £30m Wissa alternative, he’s the new Andy Carroll
The search for attacking reinforcements has become the central narrative of Newcastle United’s summer transfer window, creating a situation that grows more complex with each passing day.
The ongoing standoff with Alexander Isak has forced the club’s recruitment team to explore numerous options, each with their own complications and considerations.
Newcastle’s approach to resolving their striker situation reflects the challenging nature of modern football transfers.
The club has cast a wide net in their search, considering various profiles and types of forwards who could potentially fill the void left by Isak’s desire to depart.
This extensive search has taken them from Brentford’s Yoane Wissa to Wolverhampton’s Jørgen Strand Larsen, with each potential solution presenting its own set of negotiation challenges.
The latest name to emerge in this ongoing search is Alexander Sørloth of Atlético Madrid. The Norwegian international represents a different type of option compared to previous targets a traditional center forward whose physical presence and aerial ability would offer something distinct from Isak’s more mobile playing style.
Sørloth’s journey from his difficult first spell in English football to becoming a prolific scorer in La Liga demonstrates both his personal resilience and the unpredictable nature of player development.
Alexander Sørloth’s La Liga Performance (2024/25 Season)
| Metric | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 35 |
| Minutes Played | 1,566 |
| Goals | 20 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Progressive Carries | 32 |
| Progressive Passes | 31 |
| Non-Penalty Goals per 90 | 0.90 |
| Total Shots per 90 | 4.29 |
| Aerials Won per 90 | 5.05 |
The statistics from Sørloth’s most recent campaign in Spain reveal a player who has developed into a consistently effective striker.
His goal return of 20 in 35 appearances demonstrates finishing ability, while his aerial dominance ranking in the 94th percentile among forwards for aerial duels won—suggests he could adapt well to the physical demands of the Premier League.
What makes Sørloth particularly interesting is how his skill set differs from Newcastle’s other potential targets.
While Wissa offers mobility and pressing intensity, Sørloth provides a physical presence that could help Newcastle vary their attacking approach. This versatility in recruitment thinking shows a club considering multiple tactical options rather than simply seeking a like-for-like replacement for Isak.
The comparison to Andy Carroll that naturally arises from Sørloth’s profile is both understandable and potentially misleading.
While both players share similar physical attributes and aerial ability, Sørloth’s recent goal-scoring record in Spain suggests a more refined finishing ability than Carroll demonstrated during his time at Newcastle.
The Norwegian’s development since his difficult spell at Crystal Palace also indicates a player who has learned from early career challenges.
From a financial perspective, Sørloth represents a potentially sensible option for Newcastle. With Financial Fair Play considerations always present in the club’s decision-making, his likely transfer fee while substantial would be significantly less than the amount they could recoup from Isak’s potential departure to Liverpool. This financial balancing act remains crucial to Newcastle’s overall transfer strategy.
The tactical implications of signing a player like Sørloth are equally important to consider. Eddie Howe’s system requires forwards who can both contribute to build-up play and provide goal threat in the penalty area.
Sørloth’s statistics suggest he could fulfill this role, with his ability to both hold up play and get into scoring positions potentially making him a good fit for Howe’s approach.
As the transfer window enters its final phase, Newcastle face difficult decisions about how to proceed. The Isak situation remains unresolved, with the player’s stance apparently unchanged despite the lack of progress toward a move.
This creates urgency for Newcastle to find a solution that both addresses their immediate needs and supports their longer-term planning.
The interest in Sørloth must also be viewed in the context of Newcastle’s broader recruitment this summer.
The signings of Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale demonstrate a clear strategy of adding quality while managing financial constraints. A move for Sørloth would continue this pattern of sensible, targeted investments rather than extravagant spending.
Ultimately, Newcastle’s striker search reflects the complex calculations modern football clubs must make in the transfer market.
Balancing immediate needs against long-term planning, financial constraints against quality requirements, and player desires against club interests requires careful negotiation and strategic thinking.
How Newcastle navigate these final days of the window could significantly influence their prospects for the season ahead and their ability to build on the progress made under Howe’s leadership.