Craig Hope: Newcastle now chasing £30m Wissa alternative, he’s the new Andy Carroll – opinion
Newcastle’s Striker Dilemma: Sørloth Emerges as Isak’s Future Hangs in the Balance
The striker situation at Newcastle United has escalated into one of the defining sagas of their summer transfer window, dominating headlines and leaving supporters anxiously awaiting a resolution.
Central to the drama is Alexander Isak. The Swedish international has made no secret of his desire to move on, with Liverpool his preferred destination, and this has left Eddie Howe and his recruitment staff scrambling to find alternatives before the window slams shut.
Despite Newcastle’s determination to keep their star forward, their stance has been clear: unless a suitable replacement is secured, Isak will not be allowed to leave. The problem is that every pursuit thus far has ended in frustration.
A Trail of Missed Opportunities
Newcastle have already fallen short in attempts to land several high-profile forwards. Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and Benjamin Šeško were all on the club’s radar, and each would have offered the Magpies a pathway to sanction Isak’s departure. Yet, one by one, those opportunities slipped through their fingers.
As things stand, Isak’s future remains unresolved. He has signaled in no uncertain terms that he does not wish to reintegrate with the squad if a transfer does not materialize, leaving Howe in a delicate balancing act between protecting the team’s immediate interests and preparing for life beyond the Swede.
Exploring Every Avenue
In their search for a successor, Newcastle have explored a wide range of options. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has long been a target, admired for his direct running and ability to press from the front. His absence from Brentford’s recent victory over Aston Villa raised eyebrows, sparking talk of a possible deal, but negotiations remain at a standstill.
Another name, Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, has been sounded out, though Wolves boss Vítor Pereira’s reluctance to sanction his exit makes that deal improbable. With time ticking down, Newcastle have widened the net and turned their attention to a different type of forward.
Enter Alexander Sørloth
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle are now seriously considering Atlético Madrid forward Alexander Sørloth. “He has been discussed,” Hope explained. “He is the latest one in the orbit of players they could move for. His goal record is quite incredible. Absolutely in the mold of his countryman, Strand Larsen. Sørloth is one of the names being considered, and there are others too.”
At 29 years old, Sørloth is hardly an unknown quantity. Premier League fans may remember his ill-fated stint at Crystal Palace, where he failed to score in 16 appearances. But that chapter is now a distant memory. Since leaving England, he has rebuilt his reputation in Spain, first at Real Sociedad and later at Villarreal, where his prolific form earned him a move to Atlético last summer.
Diego Simeone has described the Norwegian as “phenomenal,” and his numbers back that up. In La Liga last season, Sørloth bagged 20 goals in 35 matches, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most consistent strikers.
The Carroll Comparison
Standing at 1.95m (6ft 4in), Sørloth is a towering presence who naturally draws comparisons with former Newcastle cult hero Andy Carroll. Like Carroll, Sørloth thrives in the air, bullies defenders with his physicality, and offers a focal point that allows teams to build attacks around him.
His statistical profile is even more impressive than his physical stature. According to FBref, Sørloth ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes (0.90), 97th percentile for shots per 90 (4.29), and 94th for aerial duels won per 90 (5.05). But he is far more than a traditional target man. His movement inside the box ranks him in the 93rd percentile for touches in the opposition penalty area, highlighting his instinctive positioning.
It is precisely this blend of strength, finishing ability, and intelligent movement that Newcastle currently lack. Against Aston Villa last weekend, Howe’s side controlled possession but lacked a cutting edge. With Isak unavailable, there was no striker to turn dominance into goals. Sørloth, who incidentally played at St James’ Park during a pre-season friendly earlier this summer, could fill that void.
A Pragmatic Move in a Difficult Market
Any deal, however, would not be straightforward. Atlético Madrid are unlikely to part with Sørloth easily, and with his current market value estimated at around £30m, Newcastle may need to pay a premium. Yet in a market where reliable strikers are scarce and prices inflated, Sørloth represents both value and proven pedigree.
Moreover, Newcastle’s summer dealings have been measured with financial sustainability in mind. Having already brought in Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale, the club must stay within the constraints of Premier League financial regulations. A player like Sørloth, available for significantly less than the £80m-plus fee Isak could command, aligns with this cautious but ambitious strategy.
Looking Ahead
For Newcastle, Sørloth represents more than just a stop-gap. His presence would provide tactical flexibility, offering Howe a Plan B when Plan A falters. While Wissa and Strand Larsen are forwards who thrive on pace and pressing, Sørloth embodies a more traditional number nine. His arrival would give Newcastle balance and an alternative approach, particularly in European competition where different challenges demand varied solutions.
Whether Sørloth ultimately becomes Newcastle’s new Andy Carroll figure or simply a short-term fix remains to be seen. But what is clear is that his profile matches both the immediate needs of Howe’s side and the long-term vision of a club determined to cement its place among Europe’s elite.
As the transfer deadline looms, Newcastle must act decisively. The Isak situation has cast a long shadow, but in Sørloth, they may finally have found a striker capable of leading the line, restoring cutting edge, and giving the Magpies the physical presence they have been sorely missing.