'Not true' - Norwegian striker hits back at Newcastle United transfer claim
Newcastle United were linked with several strikers before signing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth has revealed his surprise at being linked with a move to Newcastle United.
The striker situation at St James’ Park was a major talking point of the summer, and it wasn’t until the final few days of the window that it was resolved.
Alexander Isak got his wish by joining Premier League champions Liverpool for a British record £130million, prompting the Magpies to sign Nick Woltemade for a club-record £69m from Stuttgart and Yoane Wissa for £55m from Brentford.
But before that, Newcastle suffered several knockbacks, with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro opting to join Chelsea, and Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko favouring moves to Liverpool and Manchester United, respectively. They were also linked with several more names, including Norwegian striker Sorloth.
Alexander Sorloth comments on Newcastle United transfer links
Sorloth failed to impress during his previous spell in the Premier League with Crystal Palace but since 2021 has enjoyed a hugely successful time in Spain with 60 goals in 139 appearances for Real Sociedad, Villarreal and now Atletico Madrid.
The 29-year-old was part of the Atletico team that won 2-0 at St James’ Park in the Sela Cup last month, coming off the bench to set up a goal for Antoine Griezmann.
Little over a few weeks later, he was mentioned as a player Newcastle were considering having reportedly fallen out of favour under Diego Simeone. That news, however, came as a “big surprise” to the player.
“It came as a big surprise to me,” Sorloth told NRK (via Football Norge). “That’s what you have to live with as a footballer at this level. Things are written that are not true and that I have not said. I take that with crushing calm.”
A new strike force for Newcastle United
Woltemade is regarded as Isak’s long-term replacement at Newcastle but head coach Eddie Howe has already called for patience as the 23-year-old adapts from the Bundesliga to the Premier League. In the meantime, Newcastle hope Wissa, who scored 19 Premier League last season, can hit the ground running.
In the absence of an experienced striker, the Magpies failed to win any of their opening three matches, losing 3-2 to Liverpool and playing out goalless draws away to Aston Villa and Leeds United.
“I think the three performances have all been slightly different,” Howe said. “I think two really good performances and one average one.
“But through all three performances, I think the big thing shining through is the players are giving everything. Through all the media speculation that we've been under and the intensity of that, I think the players have stood up and really given their all, which is all I can ask for.
“We can play better, we can do better, and we're going to have to, but hopefully a centre-forward can help that.”
Woltemade and Wissa are expected to make their debuts in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park.