Galatasaray have stepped up their search for a new striker, with Alexander Sörloth emerging as a leading target after the Norwegian responded positively to initial contact with the Turkish champions.
The move comes after a disappointing opening to the 2026-27 Trendyol Süper Lig season and the departure of Mauro Icardi, who left the club this summer after his contract expired without an agreement on a renewal.
Icardi departed as Galatasaray's all-time leading foreign goalscorer, scoring 77 goals in 134 appearances across all competitions. During his time in Istanbul, the Argentine helped the club win four consecutive Süper Lig titles, a Turkish Cup and a Turkish Super Cup.
His departure has left Galatasaray with a major hole in their attack alongside Victor Osimhen, who scored both goals in the team's 2-2 draw with newly promoted Çorum FK on Aug. 14.
The result immediately increased pressure on the club's management. Supporters at Rams Park voiced their frustration with chants of "yönetim istifa," calling for the board to resign.
Galatasaray have since accelerated their transfer plans, with strengthening the center-forward position now among their priorities.
Sörloth has emerged as the club's latest target, and Turkish reports, including those citing Sözcü, say Galatasaray have already made initial contact with the 30-year-old's camp.
The response was reportedly positive.
Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek is also said to have approved the move, with reports suggesting further talks could take place in Istanbul in the coming days.
Sörloth currently plays for Atletico Madrid, where he joined in August 2024 after leaving Villarreal in a transfer reported to be worth about 32 million euros. He is under contract with the Spanish club until June 2028.
The Norwegian has established himself as a reliable scoring option in Spain, while his previous experience in Türkiye makes him an especially attractive target for Galatasaray.
Sörloth spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Trabzonspor from Crystal Palace and enjoyed a standout campaign. He scored 24 goals in 34 Süper Lig appearances to finish as the league's top scorer and added further goals in the Turkish Cup and Europa League.
He finished that season with 33 goals in 49 matches across all competitions and helped Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup.
That spell remains one of the strongest seasons of his career and could work in Galatasaray's favor as the club attempts to convince him to return to Türkiye.
The financial side of the deal, however, could prove considerably more difficult.
Atletico are understood to be seeking a transfer fee of around 40 million euros, while reports have suggested Sörloth would want a salary package of between 10 million and 12 million euros per year to leave Spain for Istanbul.
Galatasaray have also explored the possibility of taking the striker on loan with an obligation to buy, a structure that could make the deal easier to complete financially.
The club would also need to consider the Süper Lig's foreign-player regulations. Bringing in an experienced foreign striker over the age threshold would require Galatasaray to make room within their squad, potentially forcing the departure or reclassification of another foreign player.
Sörloth is not the only option under consideration.
If negotiations with Atletico fail, Galatasaray are reported to have identified Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick as a possible alternative. Sörloth has also attracted interest from other clubs, including previous attention from Fenerbahçe.
Atletico, meanwhile, are considering changes to their attacking group and are open to player sales as they reshape their squad.
No formal Galatasaray bid for Sörloth had been accepted as of Tuesday, with negotiations still at an early stage.