Newcastle United prospect Elias Sorensen has the chance to secure his future at St James’ Park by meeting the challenge of life in League Two, after the club confirmed he would spend the season on loan with Carlisle United.
The Denmark youth international failed to make an impact at Blackpool last term when he joined the Seasiders on loan, but was prolific with our Under 23s, as he saw out the season with 20 goals to his name across all junior competitions.
He must now replicate that ability to find the back of the net in the fourth-tier, as a second failed temporary move away from the North East could start to raise question marks over the 19-year-old’s true potential.
Cumbrians managers Steven Pressley is sure to give the youngster a chance to thrive in League Two, as the Brunton Park boss confirmed after the deal was announced that Sorensen had been one of his top priority targets this summer.
“He was a main target, then he dropped off the radar,” Pressley said, as quoted by The Shields Gazette. “But it came alive again last week, and we’ve managed to see it through.
“He can play as the number nine, or he can play tucked in close to the nine, and just off to the side. That’s not as a wide player, but tucked in tight and ready to react.
“He’s very mobile and quick, and he scores goals. He hasn’t done that at League Two level yet, but that’s his next challenge.”
Newcastle will be relying on Sorensen to prove his worth with the Blues this season, as he has shown he can cut it with the Under 23s, he just needs to take that to a higher level.
Noticeable minutes with the first-team at St James’ Park would likely have only come in the Carabao Cup this season, with Andy Carroll now back on our books alongside Yoshinori Muto and Dwight Gayle, who will be pushing Steve Bruce for minutes at every opportunity.
We cannot rely on Carroll’s long-term availability, though, and a year on the bench behind Joelinton may see Gayle push for a move away next summer, opening the door for Sorensen to take up a more prominent role in the senior fold.
It is now up to the Denmark U20 international to take up the challenge of League Two, and not rely on United recalling him from his loan spell, like the club had to when he played just one, 32 minute appearance for Blackpool.