Loan Move Considered for Atletico Striker
Manchester United are reportedly considering a last-minute loan offer for Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth, according to GIVEMESPORT. The report says United have been offered the chance to sign the Norway international by intermediaries and have not ruled out a move before the transfer deadline at 11pm on Tuesday.
SPORTbible also reports that United have not ruled out a move for Sorloth, who is available for around £30 million. The 30-year-old has been offered to the club by intermediaries, and reports suggest United are yet to make a final decision, with a loan deal potentially being negotiated rather than a permanent transfer.
Spending and Squad Context
United have spent around £150 million on recruits this summer, with Andrey Santos joining from Chelsea for around £50 million, Youri Tielemans arriving from Aston Villa for £35 million, and Carlos Baleba coming in from Brighton for £65 million plus £5 million in add-ons. That investment has strengthened the midfield, but the club have been looking to add competition at left-back, where Luke Shaw is entering the final year of his contract. Left-back options Lewis Hall and Alejandro Balde have been of interest, but deals have proved costly.
Zirkzee's Future and Striker Depth
The potential move for Sorloth comes as Joshua Zirkzee is being linked with a late exit. Fiorentina have launched an official bid for the Dutchman, but he turned down a move to the Serie A club, with Juventus emerging as suitors. If Zirkzee departs, United could need a replacement, and Sorloth has been identified as an option, according to CaughtOffside, as cited by GIVEMESPORT.
In recent matches, United have played without an out-and-out centre forward against Hull City and Ipswich Town. Benjamin Sesko is nearing full fitness after missing the final three Premier League games of last season through injury, which could provide an option up front.
Sorloth's Career and Recent Form
Sorloth's time in English football was difficult: he spent two years at Crystal Palace between 2018 and 2020, scoring just once in 20 appearances, and was loaned out to Gent and Trabzonspor during that spell. Since leaving Palace, however, he has rebuilt his reputation, with productive spells at Real Sociedad, Villarreal, and his current club Atletico Madrid, where he has scored 44 goals in 107 appearances.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has praised Sorloth's versatility, according to GIVEMESPORT. The Norwegian is often deployed as a number 9 but also made an impact on the right wing at this summer's World Cup. Sorloth's form in La Liga has been strong, making him an attractive option for clubs needing attacking depth late in the window.
Left-Back Search Continues
United's interest in a new left-back remains active. SPORTbible reports that United have made an enquiry for another Aston Villa player to solve their left-back problem, while top target Lewis Hall looks unlikely to leave Newcastle this summer. Alejandro Balde is keen to stay at Barcelona after United reached out to his representatives, according to the same report.
As the window approaches its final hours, United's attention appears focused on both ends of the pitch, with Sorloth a possible addition up front and a left-back still a priority.