Alexander Sørloth’s Atlético Madrid Future in Doubt as January Exit Enters the Picture
Alexander Sørloth’s position at Atlético Madrid has changed markedly since the summer. A departure once considered unlikely is now reportedly among the possibilities being assessed by both the club and the Norwegian striker ahead of the winter transfer window.
According to Marca, Atlético are reviewing several squad issues as they plan for January. Reinforcing the left side of defence is reportedly a priority, but the club is also weighing up whether Sørloth should remain in the attack. Selling the forward could create space—and funds—for another striker who better fits the team’s needs.
No decision appears imminent. Atlético still have a substantial run of fixtures before the window opens, and Sørloth’s form, fitness and role under Diego Simeone could all influence the outcome. For now, a transfer is best understood as one scenario under consideration rather than a confirmed plan.
From trusted option to uncertain role
Only a few months ago, Sørloth’s place in Atlético’s squad appeared secure. During the summer, he was the team’s only established number nine available to Simeone while Julián Álvarez was dealing with a difficult period. The Norwegian’s physical presence and ability to occupy defenders gave the coach a different attacking option.
That standing has since weakened. Sørloth has yet to score in the opening six matches of the campaign, although the statistic needs context: he has played just 155 minutes after an injury kept him out for around two months during the summer. Limited minutes and interrupted preparation have made it difficult for him to build rhythm or establish himself in the starting lineup.
Even so, his latest appearances have intensified discussion about his future. Atlético used him against Bayern Munich as a potential answer to the German side’s high press, but he struggled to win direct duels with the centre-backs. In a match where the team needed an outlet capable of holding up the ball and relieving pressure, the forward had little influence.
His substitute appearance against Barcelona also failed to shift the conversation. Sørloth made limited impact, while his body language attracted attention from observers. Such impressions are not proof of a breakdown between player and club, but they can add to questions about whether he is content with his current role.
Jonathan David adds competition in attack
Competition for places has become another important factor. Jonathan David, a deadline-day arrival, has quickly offered Atlético a reliable attacking option. His goals in each of his first three league appearances helped him make an immediate impression and gave Simeone another forward capable of contributing in front of goal.
Sørloth remains distinct from many of Atlético’s other attacking players. His height, strength and ability to contest aerial balls provide a different profile, particularly when the team needs to play directly or attack crosses. But having a unique skill set does not automatically guarantee regular football. The key question is whether Atlético can use those qualities consistently enough to justify keeping him in a squad with growing competition.
For a striker, playing time can be as important as status. If Sørloth continues to feature mainly from the bench, a move could appeal to him as well as the club. A fresh start might offer the chance to become a first-choice forward, regain confidence and secure a more prominent role—especially with international football also a consideration for a player seeking regular minutes.
Why a winter transfer could suit both sides
A January sale would give Atlético the opportunity to reshape their forward line before the second half of the season. Sporting director Mateo Alemany could use a departure to pursue a striker with a greater influence on Atlético’s build-up play or a profile better suited to Simeone’s tactical plans. The club would also need to weigh any replacement’s cost, availability and ability to adapt quickly in the middle of a campaign.
There is a financial dimension, too. Sørloth’s contract runs until 2028, so Atlético are not under immediate pressure to sell. However, the winter window and the following summer could represent practical opportunities to secure a significant fee if the club decides he is not central to its long-term plans. Waiting longer may reduce the time available to negotiate from a position of strength, particularly if his playing time remains limited.
Any deal would also involve the terms of his move from Villarreal. As part of the agreement completed in August 2024, Villarreal reportedly retained 20 per cent of a future sale for a specified period. That clause could affect Atlético’s calculations, since the amount the Madrid club ultimately receives may be lower than the headline transfer fee.
What happens next for Sørloth?
For now, the most important factor is what Sørloth does with the opportunities ahead. A goal, a strong performance against a major opponent or a run of improved fitness could quickly change the discussion. Equally, if David continues to deliver and Atlético’s other forwards remain available, the Norwegian may find it harder to move up the pecking order.
Atlético’s upcoming fixtures will therefore serve as an important test—not only of Sørloth’s form, but also of how Simeone intends to balance his attacking options. A football prediction about the striker’s future remains uncertain: January could bring a transfer, but a change in performances or circumstances could keep him in Madrid.
What is clear is that the situation is no longer as straightforward as it appeared in the summer. Atlético must decide whether Sørloth’s physical qualities remain valuable enough to retain, while the player must consider whether his current role offers the regular football he wants. With the winter window approaching, both sides have reason to keep their options open.
