You almost get dizzy watching what Atlético Madrid thinks about the Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth, who didn’t have a good World Cup at all (wasn’t so easy in an “unnatural” role on the wing). Juventus, who agreed on the personal with Sørloth, are said to have withdrawn. This does not mean that the striker with 72 goals in 171 La Liga games should not be bet on.
– Will it be Madrid or will it be Turin in the autumn? This was the question Sørloth was asked on the eve of the World Championships. The answer was: “I’m going to Madrid”
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And it is anything but a downer. Last season, Søroth was praised by coach Diego Simeone and the Spanish media for his many match-deciding goals in the second half of the season, with five goals in the Champions League and 9 in La Liga. Sørloth in scoring form thus helped Atletico Madrid to 4th place in La Liga and all the way to the semi-finals against Arsenal.
In Madrid, Sørloth has been seen as a back-up for Julian Alvarez, who is in a chaotic transition process, to say the least. As recently as 14 days ago, Paris Saint-Germain were ready with 200 million euros to sign Julián Álvarez in what was referred to as a demand from Luis Enrique to win the Champions League for the third time in a row.
The Paris club’s sporting management has made this drastic decision following the sale of Gonçalo Ramos to AC Milan for over €70 million – money they now want to invest directly in the Argentine international star.
The leaders of the Parc des Princes want to put an irresistible bid on the table for Atlético Madrid, while also offering the player a lucrative contract to lure him to France. The challenge is that Julián Álvarez is primarily waiting for an offer from FC Barcelona – after he clearly expressed his desire to leave Atlético in a World Cup interview.
But the tense atmosphere at the Metropolitano plays into PSG’s hands. The Atlético management is opposed to strengthening a historic LaLiga rival directly. At the same time, Barcelona are struggling financially to handle such a big transfer – making PSG the most realistic option in this summer’s big transfer saga, where Arsenal are also heavily involved.
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The next few weeks will be crucial – whether Barcelona’s perseverance bears fruit, or PSG’s financial muscle will decide the fate of the Argentine star. In Paris, they are confident that the club’s sporting prestige and unlimited resources will eventually convince Julián Álvarez – and give them a quality boost that can ensure European dominance.
Back in Madrid, manager Diego Simeone is a bit confused. – He has used Alexander Sørloth as a super reserve, who has seen goals in relation to playing time is La Liga’s most effective goalscorer in the last three seasons. Sørloth, who hates being on the sidelines, something he expressed after being replaced by Norway’s national team manager Ståle Solbakken, has issued an ultimatum:
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“Use me as a central striker in the first eleven, or sell me” – The signals from Atlético Madrid are that they are listening and are looking for a winger who can work with Sørloth, preferably a Norwegian. (We have one in mind).
With Alvarez well on his way out, this could open up a new lead role for Sørloth – in the position he is made for and has shown he delivers in.
