The situation with the Newcastle United strikers has evolved into one of the defining sagas of their summer window.
Alexander Isaac’s desire to leave the club led to Eddie Howe and the recruitment team taking the solution, and the failure of the pursuit only heightened the sense of urgency.
Newcastle already misses Liam Dellup, Hugo Ekitique, Joan Pedro and Benjamin Shekiko.
As things stand, Sweden’s future remains unresolved.
He made it quite clear that he didn’t want to reintegrate with the team, even if the sales weren’t materialized.
The move to Anfield remains his desired outcome, but Newcastle was equally firm. There are no substitutes or transfers.
New candidates for Newcastle
With that exchange hunt they defeated multiple paths. Brentford’s Joan Wissa has long been praised, but negotiations are stagnant.
Congoze’s absence from Brentford’s victory over Aston Villa frowned, but no specifics have yet to be agreed.
Wolf Jorgen Strand Larsen also rang out, but Vitr Pereira’s reluctance to let go of the Norwegians makes the transfer less likely.
As time was ticking, Newcastle turned his attention to another profile of the forward.
According to the Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle is interested in Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sollos.
Hope states: “He was discussed. He’s the latest in the trajectory of players they can move. It’s Alexander Sorlos of Atletico Madrid. His goal record is very impressive.
The 29-year-old Norwegian is a familiar name to Premier League fans, but his first spell in the UK was not surprising.
Sørloth, signed by FC Midtjylland’s Crystal Palace in 2017, failed to score in 16 appearances before finally moving.
It is said to be “amazing” by Diego Simeone, but any transaction will be complicated. Newcastle needs to convince the Spanish club to let him go. Perhaps at a north rate of £30 million north of his current market value.
However, as Isaac’s situation drags and the clock is ticking at the brink, pragmatism could force his hands.
Newcastle’s Andy Carroll
After leaving the club in southeast London, Sollos established himself at Real Sociedaddo, then flourished at Villarreal, where his goalscoring exploit moved to Atletico last summer.
Standing 1.95m, he offers aviation domination and physical presence that Newcastle fans have associated with Andy Carroll.
His numbers confirm the comparison.
In LaLiga last season, Sollos scored 20 goals in 35 appearances. This is an incredible tally highlighting his development to one of Europe’s most reliable finishers.
Alexander Sorlos – La Liga – 2024/25 | |
Match | 35 |
Min | 1,566 |
the goal | 20 |
assist | 2 |
Progressive Carry | 32 |
Progressive Pass | 31 |
Source: FBREF | |
|---|---|
Advanced metrics draw a more clear picture of his values. According to FBREF, he ranks 99th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.90), 97th in total shots per 90 (4.29) and 94th in 94th airlines (5.05).
Far from not being a target man, Sollos also excels in his moves within the penalty area, ranking in the 93rd percentile for his opposition box touch.
This blend of attributes addresses one of Newcastle’s most obvious issues.
Against the Villa, Hau’s side controlled a massive period of the game, but was not cutting edge to count control.
There was no focus on converting possessions into clear opportunities as ISAK could not choose.
Sollos, who was a pre-season friendly and already played at St. James Park this summer, was able to provide that with preciseness.
For Newcastle supporters, Sollos’s outlook evokes Carol’s memories. Carol embodied the traditional Number Nine Spirit by gaining his strength, aviation abilities and instincts.
Spanning two club spells, Carroll made 134 appearances, scoring 34 goals and adding 26 assists.
His big money move in 2011 highlighted how much Newcastle was dependent on his presence at the time.
Sørloth is not a similar alternative, but the comparison is clear. Both men stand at roughly the same height, both have bullying defenders, both bringing a fusion of physicality and technical capabilities.
When Carol was disappointed by the injury, Sollos showed resilience in rebuilding his career after an early setback.
His revival in Spain suggests he can thrive in the right system, and Eddie Hau’s structured offensive may be the perfect environment.
There is also a strategic angle.
Newcastle’s summer recruitment was cautious and even cautious, reflecting the club’s need to stay within the boundaries of Premier League financial regulations.
Already bringing in Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Chiau and Aaron Ramsdale, the addition of proven goal scorers will bring a balance to the team.
Sørloth is available for just a small portion of the fees ISAK commands and represents value in markets where there is a lack of reliable strikers.
But more than anything, Sollos’ candidacy shows Newcastle’s willingness to adapt.
The pursuit of Wissa and Strandlersen shows that they are exploring a variety of striker types. A more traditional target male who is aggressively pressing mobile forwards and can keep the play up.
Sørloth sits firmly in the latter camp. This is a player who can give Hau a tactical alternative while mitigating the transition from Isaac. Whether he is a long-term solution or a stop gap remains to be seen, but the logic is hard to ignore.
Newcastle’s aspirations go beyond domestic stability. They are preparing for another European campaign and need depth to compete in multiple ways.
Sørloth offers what they currently lack: presence, pedigree, and proven productivity at the top level.
