Before the New Year, Alexander Sørloth was heavily linked with exiting Atletico Madrid. The Norwegian international striker went from 20 La Liga goals last season, to far too much bench time in this one. Then Diego Simeone gave his Norwegian Viking confidence, it was answered with an impressive number of games and goals after the New Year. In the last month, it is not Sørloth who is moving towards a move, but three big profiles who either leave Atletico, should have left Atletico, or are linked to Atletico.
The three players are Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez and Mo Salah.
READ: Tottenham throw themselves around to persuade Roberto de Zerbi to start NOW!
Last season, the Spanish media hailed Griezmann/Sørloth as one of the sharpest attacking duos in La Liga. The two strikers are what is called complementary, two players who complement each other on the pitch – and take advantage of this. Last summer, Griezmann was rumoured to be on his way away from Atletico, but chose to extend until 2027. In recent months, however, the French legend was warned of his way away, last week the confirmation came. Contract with Orlando City in MLS has been signed, Sørloth loses his French partner after the end of the season.
Earlier this month, Mo Salah announced that he will leave Liverpool after the end of the season. Although there is a high probability that the Egyptian will gravitate to Saudi Arabian money bins, Spanish AS reports that Atletico Madrid are relevant if Salah chooses La Liga. Especially after the confirmation that one of the club’s highest-paid players, Griezmann, is leaving the club one year early. Alexander Sørloth loses his super partner, but with assist king Salah (122 assists in 435 Liverpool games) on the right wing at Atletico, this could be a new super duo. It’s allowed to dream.
Now to Julian Alvarez. This season started with Sørloth as a backup solution for the Argentine striker, where “our man” competes for playing time with the former City player. Then came the turn of the year and Sørloth’s start of the big game. After that, it is Alvarez who has been given playing time crumbs in La Liga.
Read on F7: Still no open door for Xabi Alonso at Liverpool
In recent months, the Argentine has been heavily linked with an exit, with Arsenal in particular very active in bringing the striker back to the Premier League. Atletico Madrid have previously signalled they are open to the right bid for Alvarez, but according to Marca , the Atletico management is now working on a completely different scenario. According to the Spanish media, the Atletico management has no plans to let Alvarez go. Now work is underway to extend the current contract that runs until 2030, where Alvarez will be offered a salary increase from 7 to 10 million euros a year.
Thus, the working conditions for Alexander Sørloth at Atletico look as follows: French superpartner, a tiny opportunity to be fed with assists by Liverpool icon Salah, while it looks like there will be a continuation of the battle for playing time with Julian Alvarez next season as well.
