Atlético de Madrid has signed Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth on a four-year contract from Villarreal. The 28-year-old striker, known for his versatility and goal-scoring prowess, had a standout season at Villarreal, where he netted 26 goals in 41 games.
Atlético de Madrid announced this Saturday the signing of Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth, a 28-year-old striker who has agreed to a four-year deal with the "colchoneros."
This transfer marks a significant addition to Atlético's attacking options, as Sorloth steps into the role previously held by Álvaro Morata, who recently departed for Milan under the management of Paulo Fonseca.
Sorloth's football journey began in Norway, where he was developed in the youth academy of Rosenborg, one of the country's most prestigious clubs. He made his first-team debut in 2013 during a Europa League qualifying match, where he immediately made an impact by scoring a goal. This early success was a sign of things to come, as Sorloth's career would take him across several European leagues, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills.
Before making his way to Spain, Sorloth's career included stints in various top-flight leagues, including the Dutch Eredivisie with FC Groningen, the Danish Superliga with FC Midtjylland, the Premier League with Crystal Palace, the Belgian Pro League with KAA Gent, the Turkish Süper Lig with Trabzonspor, and the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. This diverse experience across multiple football cultures helped Sorloth develop a versatile playing style, making him a well-rounded forward capable of adapting to different tactical systems.
Sorloth's time in Spain began with Real Sociedad, where he continued to showcase his goal-scoring abilities. However, it was at Villarreal during the 2023 season that he truly flourished. In what was arguably the best season of his career, Sorloth scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 41 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most prolific forwards in La Liga. His performances caught the attention of top clubs across Europe, ultimately leading to his transfer to Atlético de Madrid.
On the international stage, Sorloth has been a key player for the Norwegian national team. He made his senior debut in May 2016, at the age of just 20, in a match against Portugal. Since then, he has earned 53 caps for Norway, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists. His international experience and consistent performance have made him a regular fixture in the national team setup, often playing alongside the likes of Erling Haaland in Norway's attack.
At Atlético de Madrid, Sorloth will be expected to fill the shoes of Álvaro Morata, a player with a rich history at the club who has now moved on to Serie A. Sorloth's arrival adds a new dimension to Atlético's forward line, offering Diego Simeone a powerful and physically imposing striker who can hold up the ball, bring others into play, and, most importantly, score goals.
This transfer is also a statement of intent from Atlético, as they continue to build a squad capable of challenging for top honors both domestically and in Europe. Sorloth's signing comes at a time when the club is looking to strengthen its attack after Morata's departure, and his proven track record in front of goal makes him a valuable addition to the team.
Fans of Atlético de Madrid will be eager to see how Sorloth integrates into the squad and how he performs in La Liga, a league that demands technical ability, tactical intelligence, and physical resilience. If his past performances are any indication, Sorloth has the potential to become a key player for Atlético, helping them achieve their ambitions in the seasons to come. As he embarks on this new chapter of his career, all eyes will be on Sorloth to see if he can replicate his success at Villarreal and become a new fan favorite at the Wanda Metropolitano.
