Alexander Sørloth scored the match-winner from the bench on Tuesday against Osasuno and secured Atlético Madrid a place in the Champions League next season, while Robert Lewandowski continued to be important in Barcelona’s second straight La Liga trophy.
Barcelona makes the first bid for Sørloth. The Polish goal machine is on its way out, and the Catalan team needs a new striker.
Alexander Sørloth has long been one of the options Barcelona are considering to strengthen their attacking line in the upcoming transfer window. Now Spanish Fichajes writes that a first bid is already on its way to Atlético Madrid’s inbox.
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The potential departure of Robert Lewandowski makes the Blaugrana act quickly, and according to reports, sporting director Deco has pointed to the Norwegian striker.
Sørloth is well suited to take over from Lewandowski. They have both scored 13 goals in La Liga this season and share the same extreme skills in front of goal.
Alexander Sørloth – the profile FC Barcelona is looking for
FC Barcelona need a centre-forward who can provide presence in the box, play with his back to goal and pose a constant threat on crosses. Alexander Sørloth fits well into that description. He is a tall striker who is dominant in the air and used to competing under pressure.
The Norwegian doesn’t fit into the classic role of a combining striker, but he brings exactly what Barcelona lose with Lewandowski: goalscoring flair. His ability to occupy defenders, attack the first post, and exploit loose balls makes him a very attractive option.
Deco is looking for a viable deal in an overheated market, and Alexander Sørloth’s name is gaining more and more ground due to his achievements and price tag.
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Atlético Madrid receives interest from Barcelona
Atlético Madrid know they have a sought-after player, but the club seems reluctant to let him go to a direct rival in La Liga. The estimated transfer fee is between 20 and 25 million euros – a significant amount, but still not high enough to be an irresistible offer.
Alexander Sørloth has a contract, and the Madrid club has room to negotiate from a position of strength. However, Atlético face the challenge that the striker has not always had the prominent role expected since arriving at the Metropolitano.
Diego Simeone appreciates his goalscoring prowess, but his team’s attacking set-up could open the door to a sale should a convincing bid come along.
On Tuesday’s La Liga match, Sørloth secured Champions League play by scoring against Osasuna in the 71st minute – after coming on at the start of the second half. Letting go of the constant substitute pulse should be central to the Norwegian’s thinking about the future.
A delicate transition within La Liga
Selling Alexander Sørloth to FC Barcelona would have significant sporting consequences for Atlético Madrid. It would not be just any departure, but a direct reinforcement of a competitor in the battle for the national goals.
In La Liga, such deals always generate debate, especially when the buyer wants to fill such a crucial position as the striker position. Barcelona need immediate goals, but also a striker who can handle pressure without needing a long period of adjustment.
Alexander Sørloth knows the league, has shown his goalscoring flair, and would not need time to adapt to the pace of Spanish football. This competitive advantage explains why his name has gone from being a reserve option to becoming a truly serious option in Barcelona’s plans.
Barcelona are looking for a smooth transition
Lewandowski’s potential departure will force Barcelona into a very demanding offensive transition phase. The Pole has been a focal point, a goal-scoring striker and a competitive leader, so replacing him is not just about numbers.
FC Barcelona needs a reliable striker, but also a deal that does not shake the financial balance. Alexander Sørloth offers a middle ground – less glamorous than other names, but with immediate effect and top-shelf experience.
His strength in the air, physicality in the box and ability to convert crosses into goals will complement a squad full of wingers and attacking full-backs. Moreover, his arrival will give Hansi Flick a different type of striker profile, useful in close games against compact defenses.
The main challenge will be to convince Atlético – a club with no urgent need to sell and no desire to strengthen a direct rival. Therefore, the negotiations are likely to be tense, strategic and determined by every economic detail.
While Manchester United are watching – on Robert Lewandowski
While Barcelona are chasing Sørloth, Manchester United, on the other hand, are considering signing Lewandowski.
When Manchester United brought in Rasmus Hojlund and went for the youngster as the first striker from day one of 2023, Alan Shearer shook his head. A striker of just under 20 years should not have the main responsibility in the world’s toughest league for one of the world’s biggest clubs. Andy Cole shared this opinion.
Now it is the 22-year-old Benjamin Sesko who has the main responsibility – a good argument for bringing in one of the best strikers in history, still active and on his way to his 38th birthday.
United legend Cole stated in March 2024 that he thought Hojlund was almost doomed to fail as a rookie and at the same time United’s first striker:
“When I came to Manchester United in January 1995, I had Sparky (Mark Hughes) and Eric (Cantona), who moved on. Then Yorkey (Dwight Yorke) came in, Ole (Solskjaer), Teddy (Sheringham). I sincerely like to think that we learned from each other,” Cole said.
Rasmus Højlund is history. Sesko has acclimatised to the world’s toughest league with 11 goals in 30 Premier League games, but next season the expectation is that his apprenticeship will be over. Alan Shearer and Andy Cole know better.
So when Robert Lewandowski has been linked with a potential Manchester United signing in recent months, the two legends probably give the thumbs up.
Manchester United believe Robert Lewandowski can teach
United would benefit from having another striker in the squad, especially if Joshua Zirkzee leaves. Lewandowski is a player that Benjamin Sesko can easily benefit from. Lewandowski still knows where the goal is, having scored 18 times in 43 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona this season.
It goes without saying that adding Lewandowski to United’s attack will bring more experience to the front line. If he gets the right working conditions, he will score goals – and Sesko can learn a lot from training with the Polish legend.
Signing Lewandowski could go against Ineos’ promise to invest in young talent, but United also need experienced players that the youngsters can learn from.
Lewandowski has been a role model of professionalism throughout his career – at Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and now Barcelona. If Lewandowski could get a fair wage as a free agent, he would prove to be more of a help than an obstacle to Sesko’s development.
Michael Carrick gets the job as manager permanently!
Manchester United together with Newcastle and to some extent Liverpool have had the Norwegian striker on their lists, what has put a damper on so far has been Diego Simeone’s reluctance to make Alexander Sørloth a regular starter. Michael Carrick, on the other hand, who has had no power as interim manager, will have a 99.9% probability after securing the Champions League next season. Carrick, who will have a little more say after becoming permanent manager, wants Alexander Sørloth, yes actually both if possible!:
In short:
- Barcelona have made their first bid for Alexander Sørloth, who will replace Robert Lewandowski.
- Sørloth has scored as many La Liga goals as the Pole this season (13) and shares his extreme skills in front of goal.
- Atlético Madrid are reluctant to sell to a rival, but a transfer fee of €20-25 million could open the door.
- Manchester United are also considering signing Lewandowski as a free agent, both to help on the pitch and to guide young Benjamin Sesko.
- United legends such as Alan Shearer and Andy Cole believe an experienced striker is crucial to developing young talent in the world’s toughest league.
- Michael Carrick, who is about to get the job as manager permanently, has long been a fan of Alexander Sørloth’s qualities
