Fenerbahce Pursues Sorloth as Atletico Targets Vlahovic
Fenerbahce have moved to the front of the queue for Alexander Sorloth, with the Turkish giants now leading the race to prise the striker away from Atletico Madrid, according to Marca journalist Matteo Moretto, as cited by beIN Sports.
The Norwegian forward is tied to Atletico until June 2028 after arriving from Villarreal in August 2024, but his stay at the Metropolitano already hangs in the balance. Fenerbahce, backed by serious financial muscle, are understood to be in a position to meet Atletico’s €40 million (£34m/$46m) valuation.
This is not just another summer shuffle. For Atletico, Sorloth’s sale sits at the heart of their transfer plan.
Sorloth sale key to Vlahovic plan
Atletico’s hierarchy view the deal as a financial pivot. The fee for Sorloth is expected to help balance the books and, just as importantly, open up crucial space on the wage bill. That room is earmarked for one name: Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian striker is lined up to arrive on a free transfer once his Juventus contract expires at the end of June. No formal offer that fully matches Atletico’s asking price for Sorloth has landed yet, but talks between the Spanish club and Fenerbahce are ongoing and active.
The message is clear: Sorloth out, Vlahovic in. The timing of one move dictates the other.
Simeone’s attack set for a new look
Sorloth’s departure would strip Diego Simeone’s side of a classic reference point up front. The 28-year-old offers height, power, and a relentless presence in the air, a profile that gives Atletico a direct outlet when games become scrappy or stretched.
Losing that kind of focal point changes the geometry of Simeone’s attack. Vlahovic, while also a central striker, brings a different edge. His game is built on high intensity, aggressive pressing, and sharp movement across the line rather than sheer aerial dominance.
The shift would nudge Atletico towards a more dynamic, front-foot style in the final third, with Vlahovic expected to lead a faster, more vertical press from the front. For a club trying to refresh without losing its bite, that trade-off is significant.
Fenerbahce’s statement move
On the other side of the deal, Fenerbahce see Sorloth as a centrepiece, not a luxury. The plan is simple: make him the main spearhead for both their domestic title charge and their European push.
A striker of his profile gives the Istanbul club a clear reference in the box, a target for crosses, and a battering ram for tight games in the Turkish Super Lig and beyond. Landing a forward under long-term contract at Atletico, in his prime years, would be a statement of intent.
The two clubs are now locked in negotiations over the structure of the transfer. The headline fee is one thing; the real work lies in how it is paid and which performance-related add-ons are attached. Goals, appearances, team achievements — all of it is on the table as they try to bridge the final gap.
If they get there, Sorloth will be on his way to Istanbul. And for Atletico, that signature will be the trigger they need to finally pull the lever on Vlahovic and reshape the front line for the seasons ahead.
