Newcastle United eye £44m move for striker who humiliated Real Madrid with Eddie Howe seeking missing ‘X-factor’ up front

Abdul Hady
Abdul Hady is the editor of NutmegXtra, delivering daily Premier League, La Liga, and global football news with a sharp eye for breaking stories.

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to launch a £44m move to sign Alexander Sorloth from Atletico Madrid after the striker’s stunning display against Real Madrid.

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Reports in Spain claim the Magpies are preparing an offer worth €50m (£44m) for the 29-year-old, who scored the equaliser in Atletico’s 5-2 win over their rivals.

Eddie Howe side have scored just six Premier League goals this season, with only Nottingham Forest and Wolves managing fewer.

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Despite Nick Woltemade scoring three times in his first four league games, Newcastle’s wide players have struggled to contribute consistently.

Howe remains confident in his squad, telling reporters: “We’re just missing that X-factor that I think will come. With the players that we have, some are guaranteed goals and have done that historically.”

[Reports in Spain indicate] Newcastle scouts watched Sorloth in action against Real Madrid, while Atletico boss Diego Simeone has previously praised the Norwegian forward, saying: “Alex, of course, is a whole different matter. He had a fantastic night, especially those first 45 minutes, where he decisively finished every ball that came his way.”

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Whether Atletico sanction a 2026 exit remains to be seen, but Sorloth is viewed as a proven striker with unfinished business in the Premier League.