RB Leipzig have completed the signing of Norway international striker Alexander Sorloth from English Premier League club Crystal Palace.
The 24-year-old, who scored 33 goals in 49 appearances whilst on loan at Trabzonspor last season, has signed a five-year deal.
“I made up my mind to join Leipzig soon after the talks,” Sorloth told the club website. “The club impressed in the league last season, and made people stand up and take note in the Champions League.
“The attacking football favoured by Julian Nagelsmann suits my playing style perfectly. I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.”
Sorloth top scored in the Turkish Süper Lig and domestic cup in 2019/20, with 24 and seven goals respectively.
It marked a career-best return for the 24-time Norway international, who has also played in the Netherlands (Groningen), Denmark – where he hit 10 goals and won the league title with Midtjylland – England (Palace) and Belgium (Gent) since leaving his homeland in January 2016.
He started out in the youth ranks of Rosenborg and made his professional debut for the club, but it was his 13 goals in 26 games for Bodo/ Glimt in the 2015 Tippeligaen that gave his career wings.
“We’ve signed our number one candidate for the attack in Alexander Sorloth,” commented Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche. “He’s a physical and technical player, who’s strong in the air and a good finisher. Alexander has all the attributes you need as a footballer.
“He had a fantastic season in Turkey, where he showed himself to be a goalscorer and provider. We’re looking forward to working together to achieve our stated goals for the season ahead.”
Sorloth, whose Bundesliga debut could come as soon as Leipzig’s Matchday 2 encounter with Bayer Leverkusen on 26 September, is an international teammate of Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland. The duo scored twice apiece in Norway’s 5-1 UEFA Nations League win over Northern Ireland on 7 September.
The Norwegian represents the fifth new face of the post-Timo Werner era, following the arrival of Benjamin Henrichs (AS Monaco, loan), Hwang Hee-chan (Red Bull Salzburg), Josep Martinez (Las Palmas) and Lazar Samardzic (Hertha Berlin). Angelino has also re-signed for the club on another loan deal from Manchester City.
Sorloth will wear the No.19 shirt.