Newcastle United’s interest in Alexander Sorloth has intensified at a time when the Norwegian striker is finding form on the international stage.
Just days after reports from Spain once again linked the Magpies with the Atletico Madrid forward, Sorloth delivered a standout performance for Norway, scoring twice in a crucial World Cup qualifier that has effectively booked his nation’s place at the 2026 finals.
Despite signing two strikers during the summer of 2025, Newcastle are still exploring the market for another centre-forward.
The club’s owners, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, invested heavily by bringing in Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart and Yoane Wissa from Brentford. William Osula provides an additional option for Eddie Howe, yet the club’s recruitment team believe another reliable frontman is essential if Newcastle are to continue growing as a competitive force in both domestic and European competitions.
Woltemade has impressed with seven goals across all competitions, showing energy, confidence and potential. However, Wissa has yet to make his debut because of a knee injury that has kept him sidelined longer than expected.
Osula, although talented and showing promise, is still only 22 and viewed as one for the future rather than a player to carry the scoring load in the present. With those circumstances in mind, PIF appear ready to back Howe again by giving him the opportunity to bring in another proven striker in January.
This is where Sorloth enters the picture. Spanish outlet Marca first reported Newcastle’s interest after scouts attended Atletico Madrid’s clash with Real Madrid in early October.
They watched Sorloth score in first-half stoppage time during Atletico’s remarkable 5–2 win, and his all-round performance was described as one that left the travelling scouts “very impressed.” His physicality, movement and hold-up play appeared to fit the mould of the type of striker Howe values.
Marca later doubled down on those claims on October 30, suggesting that despite his ability, Sorloth has looked “apathetic” at times since joining Atletico. The Spanish side signed him from Villarreal for €32 million in the summer of 2024, but his impact so far has been limited.
He has scored only twice in 11 matches this season, with five league starts and one in the Champions League. Atletico’s system has not always suited him, and he has struggled to consistently influence matches in the way the club expected.
Yet on the international stage, Sorloth reminded everyone of his quality. In Norway’s 4–1 victory over Estonia, he struck twice within two minutes, matching Erling Haaland’s tally and helping his country take a massive step toward World Cup qualification.
Norwegian outlet Dagbladet praised him heavily, awarding him a 9 out of 10 one higher than Haaland. They noted his explosive start to the second half and highlighted how he “came out in full bloom” after a quiet opening 45 minutes.
For them, his display was a reminder that Norway have several players capable of frightening the very best teams in world football.
Dagbladet also commended Haaland, who received an 8 out of 10, noting that although he was quiet early on, he came alive in Norway’s second-half surge and remains a potential superstar of the 2026 World Cup.
With Sorloth’s confidence rising and his international form speaking for itself, Newcastle’s interest has naturally grown stronger.
The Magpies need another forward who can make an instant impact, and Sorloth’s blend of experience, physical strength and finishing ability makes him an intriguing January target.
Away from the striker search, Newcastle are also preparing for outgoing business. The club are willing to offload an international player during the January window, with a Champions League side pushing to secure his signature.
As the winter market approaches, movement seems inevitable both in and out of St James’ Park, and Sorloth’s name is now firmly one to watch as Newcastle look to strengthen their attacking options for the second half of the season.
