Atletico Madrid weigh January sale of Sorloth after striker’s status changes

Atletico Madrid are considering selling Alexander Sorloth in the January transfer window, having moved from viewing his departure as virtually unthinkable to treating it as a realistic possibility.

According to Marca, the club’s main priority before the winter window is to sign a left-back to replace Grimaldo. However, Atletico are also reviewing several other matters, including Sorloth’s future. Should the Norway international leave in January, his departure would create room for the arrival of another striker.

There is still time for the situation to change, with several matches and other factors likely to influence the discussion. For now, though, the possibility is being considered at Wanda Metropolitano.

Sorloth’s position at Atletico has altered significantly in recent months. A place in the squad that appeared secure during the summer is now under scrutiny, with his performances doing little to strengthen his case.

The striker is still waiting for his first goal of the season after six appearances. He has played only 155 minutes, having begun the campaign affected by a summer injury that kept him out for two months. However, his displays in Atletico’s two most recent matches have increased the attention on his role.

Against Bayern Munich, Sorloth was used by Diego Simeone as an outlet to help the team cope with Bayern’s high press. He won very few of his individual duels with their two centre-backs.

He then came on as a substitute against Barcelona but made little impact. His body language in that match also added to the doubts surrounding him, making the prospect of a January exit appear increasingly plausible.

The situation was very different during the summer, particularly while Atletico were dealing with the uncertainty surrounding Julian Alvarez. At that point, Sorloth was Simeone’s only available number nine.

There was also a financial reason why a transfer appeared unlikely. Villarreal retained a 20% share of any future sale of Sorloth for the following two years, under the agreement the clubs signed in August 2024.

Jonathan David adds to the competition

Jonathan David, who joined on the final day of the transfer window, has quickly developed from an unfamiliar option into a dependable attacking choice. He scored in each of his first three league matches.

Although Sorloth remains the only Atletico striker with a different profile from the others, his exact role in the team is no longer assured. A change of surroundings in January may therefore appeal to him, particularly if his reduced involvement continues and he remains effectively a substitute.

His departure would also give sporting director Matteo Alemany the opportunity to search for a striker capable of having a greater influence on matches.

From a financial perspective, Atletico may also consider this the right time to sell. Sorloth’s contract runs until 2028, meaning the winter window or next summer could represent the final opportunities to secure significant value from a transfer.