Palace striker Alexander Sorloth seals RB Leipzig move – signs five-year contract with German club

Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth has joined RB Leipzig on a five-year contract.

The 24-year-old Norwegian international’s form on loan for Trabzonspor last season – where he netted 33 goals in all competitions – attracted the interest of the Bundesliga outfit.

The Turkish side had an option to make Sorloth’s stay a permanent one but not until the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

Now it has been suggested that Palace and Trabzonspor have split the fee, which has been reported as around the £20million mark.

Sorloth made just 20 appearances for the Eagles after a 2017 switch from FC Midtjylland and was loaned out to Belgian side Gent for the 2018-2019 season.

Tottenham had also been linked with the Trondheim-born frontman, whose stock soared after a goal-laden spell in the Super Lig.

Sorloth said: “After the initial talks, it quickly became clear that I wanted to play for RB Leipzig. The club were impressive in the league last season, and even more so in the Champions League.

“The attacking brand of football that Julian Nagelsmann plays suits me well. I’m looking forward to challenge together in the Bundesliga as well as the Champions League.”

RB Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche said: “In Alexander Sorloth, we’ve signed the player who we targeted for the open position in attack.

“He is a very physical and technically adept player, and is gifted in the air and finishing. Alexander has all the capabilities that are important for our style of football. He’s just had a fantastic season in Turkey, where he could demonstrate his qualities as a goalscorer and also as a chance creator.

“We’re looking forward to working together to achieve our objectives for the new season.”

The German club’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff added: “Successfully pulling off this complex transfer was only made possible thanks to the good co-operation among our team, who I’d expressly like to thank.

“Not only does Alexander fit our philosophy perfectly, he is a tough centre-forward who can also play out wide, who is the final piece to our puzzle this season.”