Everton launch £25m bid for Atletico Madrid striker Sørloth

Everton have moved swiftly in the summer transfer window by submitting a formal £25 million offer for Atletico Madrid forward Alexander Sørloth, according to reports. The Norwegian international, who previously spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Crystal Palace in the Premier League, has registered 21 goals and assists combined for Atletico this campaign. The Toffees are eager to bolster their attacking options ahead of a crucial season.

Sørloth's Premier League past and present form

Sørloth's previous stint in England was underwhelming: just one goal in 16 appearances for Palace. However, his career has since flourished across Europe. After joining RB Leipzig in 2020, he scored 14 Bundesliga goals before moving to Atletico in 2023. This season, the 28-year-old has notched 14 goals and 7 assists in all competitions, including a critical Champions League strike against Inter Milan. His form has reignited interest from Premier League clubs.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone has used Sørloth primarily as a backup to Antoine Griezmann, limiting him to 18 La Liga starts. Despite this, his per-90-minute output of 0.61 goals places him among the top 15 strikers in Spain. His physical presence—standing 6'4"—and aerial ability make him a different option to Everton's current forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto.

Tactical fit at Goodison Park and FPL appeal

Everton manager Sean Dyche deploys a direct, counter-attacking 4-5-1 system. Sørloth's hold-up play and heading ability suit Dyche's reliance on crosses and set pieces. Last season, Everton scored 15 goals from set pieces, the fourth-highest in the league. Adding Sørloth could improve that efficiency. However, his lack of pace (averaging 29.8 km/h, below the PL forward average of 31.2 km/h) may limit transitions.

From a Fantasy Premier League perspective, Sørloth at £7.0-£7.5 million would offer an alternative to Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) for Gameweek 1. Everton's opening fixtures include home matches against Brighton and Sheffield United, boosting short-term appeal. His 14.9% FPL ownership in La Liga suggests underwhelming popularity, but a move to England could see that rise.

Fee context and comparison with other deals

Everton's £25m offer reflects a calculated gamble. For context, Atletico paid just £12m for Sørloth in 2023—doubling that fee after one season of solid returns seems steep. Historically, Premier League clubs have paid similar prices for strikers of comparable output: Wout Weghorst joined Burnley for £12m in 2022, while Neal Maupay cost Everton £15m in 2022. Sørloth's age (28) means little resale value, but immediate impact could justify the fee.

Atletico are likely to demand £30m-plus given Sørloth's contract until 2027. Everton's financial constraints after avoiding a points deduction for PSR breaches mean they need to sell to buy. Offloading Calvert-Lewin (contract expiring 2025) for £20m could fund the move. This transfer mirrors the club's 2022 signing of Dwight McNeil from Burnley—a calculated risk on a player with PL experience.

What's next for Everton and Sørloth

Everton's bid triggers a negotiating period. If Atletico accept, Sørloth would become Dyche's marquee summer signing. The club also needs a new central midfielder after Amadou Onana's likely exit for £50m. Everton start their campaign against Fulham on August 17—securing Sørloth early would allow a full pre-season integration. For Sørloth, three years on from his Palace failure, this is a chance to prove he belongs in English football's top flight.

Filed under: Transfer Rumours | LA Premier League Home