NEWCASTLE CHIEFS STEP UP PURSUIT OF EX-TOP FLIGHT STRIKER
Newcastle United are reportedly keen on a move for Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth after scouting him. The Norwegian, previously a target to replace Isak, scored against Real Madrid, impressing Magpies' scouts.
Marca claims that after scouting the striker in a recent match, Newcastle United will want Alexander Sorloth in the upcoming transfer window. Diego Simeone, the manager of Atletico Madrid, values the Norwegian highly, but the Spanish powerhouses might be persuaded to part with the enormous attacker if they receive a strong enough offer.
Alexander Sorloth was acquired by Atletico Madrid from Villarreal for €32 million, plus an extra €10 million in summer 2024 add-ons. The striker scored 20 league goals in his debut season at the Metropolitano, replicating his incredible season in which he scored 23 La Liga goals.
The Norwegian striker is extremely important to Diego Simeone, who wants to keep him in the team. Sorloth has only started three of his seven La Liga games this season and has scored twice, but as the season goes on, he will play a larger part.
Given that Newcastle United fans attended a recent game to watch him, Atletico Madrid is aware of the Premier League's interest. Sorloth was scouted by the Magpies while the Norwegian was on the scoresheet in Atletico Madrid's impressive victory against Real Madrid.
Back in the summer, when they were searching for a replacement for Alexander Isak, Newcastle United showed interest in Sorloth. The Norwegian's physical attributes make him a perfect fit for any Premier League team, and following a fruitful reconnaissance mission on the Atletico Madrid player, Newcastle United is allegedly eager to consider a future move.
Sorloth might have been playing at St James' Park if the plan to sign him as an Isak replacement had come to fruition in the summer. However, considering the business that Newcastle United completed in the final stages of the window, the concept of signing the Norwegian would not make sense. To directly replace Isak, the Magpies acquired Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.
Since it might not make sense to add another seasoned star, the Magpies subsequently signed Yoane Wissa on deadline day, which does satisfy their striker needs. For the right money, Sorloth, a former Premier League striker who has played for eleven clubs in his career, including Crystal Palace, might still move to the English top division next summer, but it might not be to St James' Park.
EDDIE HOWE CONFIRMS NEWCASTLE LINEUP SHIFTS ARE PART OF A MAJOR FUTURE STRATEGY
Eddie Howe confirms he is picking Newcastle lineups with next season in mind, trialling players like Ramsey and Woltemade early.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe isn’t pretending he’s already thinking about next season. People have been saying Kieran Trippier is close to triggering a payment if he plays more games, so that might influence whether he features again before the season ends. But Howe brushed that off and said he’s making his decisions purely for football reasons.
Talking to reporters at the City Ground about why Anthony Gordon was missing, Howe admitted he’s picking his lineup with the future in mind. Later, in his press conference, he went into more detail about focusing on what comes next at St James’ Park.
"We’re definitely looking ahead," Howe said. "You can see it in some of the choices I’m making with the team. I want to get a look at some players and see how they might grow into the squad."
One of those players is Jacob Ramsey, who came off the bench, set up Harvey Barnes with a great pass, and really changed the game. "I thought Jacob Ramsey was brilliant when he came on against Forest. He really made a difference, and so did Harvey. It’s good to see players taking their chances," Howe said.
He added, "We have to be thinking about the future now and what the team’s going to look like next year. That’s our responsibility at this point."
Before the match, Howe surprised a lot of fans by starting Lewis Hall at right-back, Nick Woltemade in midfield, and pushing Joelinton further forward than usual. Again, Howe explained he wants to see what players can do in different positions.
"It wasn’t some huge change from Brighton; we kept the same shape," Howe said. "But for Nick, this was only one of a few times he’s started in that role for us. He played alongside Will, and they haven’t had much time together either.
"There were positives for Nick, but he wasn’t involved as much as we wanted in the first half. We still need to see his best on the ball. In the second half, though, I thought we got better as a team. We attacked more and looked like a real threat as the match wore on."
MAGPIES EYE £1M BARGAIN TIAGO GABRIEL TO SOLVE GROWING DEFENSIVE INJURY CRISIS
Newcastle are leading the race against Juventus for Tiago Gabriel, the 21-year-old Serie A defensive sensation.
Newcastle United appear to be keeping an eye on Lecce’s young defender Tiago Gabriel as they consider potential options for the summer transfer window.
With Fabian Schar’s contract due to expire at the end of June, the Magpies are preparing for the possibility of his departure. Although an extension is still on the table, Schar has been sidelined since early January because of an ankle injury and doesn't seem close to making a comeback.
At 21, Gabriel has featured 36 times across all competitions this season for Lecce, who are currently four points clear of the Serie A relegation zone. Newcastle’s recruitment team is among those following his development, seemingly interested in exploring a move once the transfer window opens.
Back in December, reports surfaced that both West Ham and Juventus were also tracking Gabriel’s progress. The young defender, who came through Sporting CP’s academy, has had a strong season and will enter the final year of his contract this summer.
Gabriel transferred to Lecce last January for slightly over £1 million, moving from Portuguese club Estrela Amadora. Should he leave this summer, a significantly higher fee might be expected, reflecting his rise in form.
Before joining Estrela Amadora, Gabriel had been part of Setúbal's academy after leaving Sporting in 2020. His performances have earned him regular appearances for Portugal’s Under-21 side, and senior international opportunities may not be far off.
A switch to the Premier League could potentially boost his profile substantially, but he will likely weigh his options with some care.
According to O Jogo, Newcastle continue to monitor his situation keenly as interest around the defender grows.
Regarding Fabian Schar’s future, things remain uncertain even with just weeks left on his current deal. While Kieran Trippier has been publicly confirmed to be leaving upon contract expiration, no similar announcement has come for Schar.
Last week, Howe commented on the defender’s status, noting that no definitive decision has been made yet. He emphasised Schar’s value to the team, pointing out his unique role as a ball-playing defender and his versatility in various defensive setups.
Schar’s influence on the pitch and experience are clearly appreciated, and the club hopes he can regain full fitness before the season concludes. As for any new contract talks, Howe suggested it’s a matter of waiting to see how things unfold.
