The rife transfer speculation surrounding the future of Crystal Palace striking outcast Alexander Sorloth appears to have taken a staggering new twist, with major suitors RB Leipzig now in advanced talks with the Norwegian’s parent club.
According to Norwegian journalist and ex-Norway international Jan Aage Fjortoft, RB Leipzig have made an offer of €17 million upfront with an additional €3 million in bonuses. However, the Eagles are reportedly holding out for the full €20 million as an upfront sum, with a further €6 million in bonuses.
Twitter: Re: Alexander Sörloth
RB Leipzig have offered Crystal Palace 17 mill euro + 3 mill bonus.
Crystal Palace want 20+… https://t.co/pfvTKJdDYy (@JanAageFjortoft)
Moreover, Fjortoft adds that RB Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann is personally involved in the negotiations over a deal for Sorloth, as he is viewed by the tactician as the ideal striker for his system – most likely as a direct replacement for Timo Werner, who joined Palace’s London neighbours Chelsea ahead of the 2020/21 summer transfer window.
After managing just one goal throughout his Crystal Palace career – in the Carabao Cup – the £8.1 million signing from FC Midtjylland seemed unlikely to ignite a career in top-flight European football.
In spite of his lacklustre career in English football, a two-year loan deal to Turkish giants Trabzonspor saw 39 appearances, 24 goals, 9 assists and a Turkish Cup victory to Sørloth’s name, with the 6’4 Norwegian giant now regarded as one of Europe’s most in-form strikers.
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Given the manner in which Sorloth was loaned out, for Palace to even be getting close to a substantial profit for him is likely to be beyond the board’s wildest expectations.
It remains to be seen as to whether a deal will materialise, though holding out for an even greater fee may risk upsetting the likelihood of Palace being able to secure a profit from Leipzig. It nonetheless is worth attempting, given the complexities and conflicting reports surrounding clauses in Sorloth’s contract.
It may arise that Trabzonspor do indeed have an option-to-buy with a value below that of which Palace paid for Sorloth. Although the rumours surrounding Trabzonspor’s eligibility to activate this clause are contrasting, Trabzonspor may need to receive a considerable portion of any agreed fee if all parties are to be satisfied and a deal concluded – else Palace risk losing out on their own asset.
