Liverpool should prioritise Atletico Madrid striker, but it’s NOT Julian Alvarez

Liverpool are in the market for a new striker this summer, that much is clear.

A number of truly elite players have been linked with a move to Anfield this summer, but the Reds may need to make more than one addition up top.

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Both Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota are likely to leave Merseyside this summer, leaving Jayden Danns as Liverpool’s only true centre forward.

Names like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike have been touted to come in as Arne Slot’s new no.9, but recruiting a backup could be just as crucial this year.

There are of course plenty of viable candidates, but one name really sticks out.

Alexander Sørloth.

Why Alexander Sørloth is the perfect option for Liverpool.

The Norwegian striker has managed 21 goals and two assists for Atletico Madrid this campaign in just 1,980 minutes. That’s a goal involvement every 86 minutes.

Sørloth has played second fiddle to Julian Alvarez this season in Spain’s capital, but he has done so perfectly.

He ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes among forwards in Europe’s big five leagues. He also takes an average of four shots/90 and wins a staggering 4.86 aerial duels/90 too.

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Standing at 1.95m, Sørloth represents an aerial threat that Liverpool don’t currently possess in their attack, and the Norwegian’s clinical finishing would make him a frightening prospect off the bench.

Sørloth’s impressive season continued on Saturday night when he scored four past Real Sociedad, scoring a hattrick in less than four minutes.

Is Sørloth to Liverpool feasible?

The major drawback when looking at Sørloth is his age. The Atletico man is 29-years-old, and will turn 30 in December.

This is not the age-profile Liverpool typically look at when recruiting, but it isn’t unheard of for the Reds to sign a player in their peak years.

Thiago Alcantara was also 29 when he arrived at Anfield a few years ago and, seeing as Sørloth wouldn’t be expected to start the majority of matches, a move for a player of his age doesn’t seem completely out of the question.

Sørloth is valued at €24.1 million by Football Transfers, but Atletico would likely look to at least recoup the €32m they paid for his services last summer.

If Slot’s side are going to spend big on a new first choice no.9, Sørloth is a more budget-friendly option for backup but would still be capable of making a vital impact off the bench.

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Liverpool have become known for their smart and opportunistic signings over the last decade, and a move for Sørloth could be another genius steal.