Manchester United Eyes Alexander Sørloth in Striker Search
Manchester United’s late-window hunt for a centre-forward has taken a fresh twist, with Alexander Sørloth emerging as a surprise option from Atletico Madrid.
With Carlos Baleba already through the door from Brighton in a £70million deal, United’s focus has shifted sharply to two positions before Tuesday’s deadline: a backup No 9 and a left-back. Michael Carrick wants cover and competition for Benjamin Šeško up front and another option to push Luke Shaw on the left side of defence.
The need for a striker has grown after Joshua Zirkzee’s situation moved towards the exit. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Zirkzee has given the green light to a return to Serie A with Fiorentina. The Florence club have gone as far as sending United a loan proposal that includes an option to buy at the end of the season.
United have already sounded out Freiburg’s Igor Matanovic and Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is keen to move, as potential replacements for Zirkzee.
Sørloth put to United as towering option
According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries have offered United the chance to sign Sørloth from Atletico. The 6ft 5in Norwegian, a classic penalty-box No 9, has scored 175 goals in 475 senior appearances – numbers that fit the profile United are currently exploring.
Crucially, Sørloth is understood to be open to leaving Atletico and would consider a return to the Premier League. He previously spent time at Crystal Palace between January 2018 and September 2020, though that spell never truly caught fire. He made only 20 appearances for the Eagles, spending significant time out on loan at Gent and Trabzonspor.
A move to Old Trafford would hand him a very different stage – and a fresh chance to prove he can cut it in English football at the highest level.
Atletico are prepared to sanction his departure for the right fee, with his current deal running until June 2028, but they want to have a replacement lined up before committing to a sale. Among the forwards they are considering are Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Juventus striker Jonathan David.
For United, Sørloth would bring a more traditional focal point to complement Šeško, offering both competition and cover in a role Carrick wants filled quickly.
Atletico juggling futures as United weigh move
The uncertainty around Sørloth comes as Atletico wrestle with another attacking saga. Barcelona and Arsenal are both pushing to sign his team-mate Julián Álvarez, yet the Rojiblancos insist they will keep him. Álvarez has gone public with his desire to leave, a stance that has angered sections of the Atletico support and added further tension to their forward planning.
Back in Manchester, there is an acceptance that United cannot go into the heart of the season light up front if Zirkzee departs. Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Laurie Whitwell underlined the likely route they will take.
“Loan is what I have heard in terms of incoming,” he said, suggesting United are leaning towards a short-term deal rather than a permanent splash.
Andy Mitten echoed the growing sense that late business is on the cards.
“Will we see new players come in? I think it’s increasing, I think it’s a possibility. I don’t know if the player would be signed or loaned. If you lose a striker, United look light up top.”
That is the crux of it for United. With the clock ticking, a 6ft 5in specialist No 9 who wants a Premier League return and is available for the right price suddenly looks a very live option.
