Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace for the transfer of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen in a deal valued at £43 million, with an additional £5 million in possible bonuses. This move comes after several days of negotiations between the two Premier League clubs, bringing Palace closer to securing a much-needed forward ahead of the transfer deadline.
This transfer comes after Palace had been engaged in advanced discussions about a verbal agreement earlier in the week. The involvement of agent Jorge Mendes has been crucial for Wolves throughout the negotiation process. Strand Larsen, who is a Norway international, is anticipated to enhance Palace’s attacking lineup as they prepare for the potential departure of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is attracting interest from AC Milan. Mateta did not feature in Palace’s recent match against Nottingham Forest, with manager Oliver Glasner indicating that the forward was “not in the right place to play” amid ongoing speculation about his future.
Crystal Palace has been struggling to find the back of the net during an extended winless streak, making it imperative that they secure a replacement for Mateta before facilitating his exit. Strand Larsen, who joined Wolves permanently from Celta Vigo last summer and signed a new long-term contract in September, has netted six goals across all competitions this season, although only one of those goals has come in the Premier League. His performance last season was a significant factor in Palace’s interest, with expectations that he can make an immediate impact.
Interest in Strand Larsen had also been shown by Leeds United and Nottingham Forest earlier in the transfer window, while West Ham United had inquired back in December. Currently, Palace is positioned 15th in the Premier League, eight points above the relegation zone, and are keen to bolster their attacking options to create some distance from the lower tier as they head into the latter part of the season.
The acceptance of this bid marks a significant return on Wolverhampton’s investment and opens up opportunities for further reinforcements for the club. With terms finalized between the clubs, the next step is to conclude personal terms and complete medical arrangements for Strand Larsen before the transfer window closes. This transfer is set to bring positive momentum for both clubs, addressing team needs and setting the stage for a more competitive second half of the season.