Why Crystal Palace are willing to pay big money to sign Jørgen Strand Larsen

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Jørgen Strand Larsen enjoyed a stellar first campaign in English football last season. The Norwegian arrived on an initial loan from Celta Vigo to Wolves and scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League appearances. We’ve seen how difficult it can be for new strikers to get goals in the English top-flight this term – Hugo Ekitiké (8 goals so far) Viktor Gyökeres (5 goals) and Benjamin Sesko (4 goals) would probably all take that total when it comes to May. Certainly the latter two. And all three play for sides competing at the other end of the table to Wolves.

Strand Larsen’s achievements did not go unnoticed, and not long after he turned his loan move to Molineux into a permanent one at the start of the summer for €27 million, other clubs came calling. Amid Alexander Isak’s Premier League-record sale to Liverpool, Newcastle tabled a late €64m bid for Strand Larsen in the summer, but Wolves rejected it as they didn’t have time to find a replacement. However, that decision hasn’t paid much vindication, with Wolves rooted to the bottom of the table 23 games in, and Strand Larsen scoring just one Premier League goal in 21 outings.

He’s even lost his starting birth to new striker Tolu Arokodare at times. But despite this, interest remains high, and it looks as though Selhurst Park may now be his next destination. Crystal Palace are reportedly close to reaching a verbal agreement to sign Strand Larsen this January. Palace want to strengthen their attack before the winter window shuts and Strand Larsen has emerged as their top target. A price of €52m plus €5.8m in add-ons is being discussed, with agent Jorge Mendes handling negotiations on behalf of Wolves.

Strand Larsen’s existing contract runs until June 2030, plus an option to extend by a further 12 months. Leeds United have also seen multiple offers, reaching €46m, rejected and maintain their pursuit of a player who – alongside his Leeds-supporting agent – has been keen on a switch to Elland Road. So why are clubs willing to pay so much money for a striker with just one Premier League goal this season? Let’s take a look.

Why clubs are willing to pay big for Jørgen Strand Larsen

As illustrated in the graphic above, if Strand Larsen does complete his move to Palace for the €52m fee being mooted, it would make the Norwegian the club’s record signing, and by some distance. The Eagles have already broken their club record deal this window when they paid Tottenham €40m for winger Brennan Johnson, and this take us to the first reason Palace are willing to pay big for Strand Larsen. The club have sold star players Eberechi Eze and Marc Guéhi this season for a combined €92.3m. Star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is also pushing for a move away this winter, with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa interested. Palace have money to spend and are in desperate need for reinforcements.

They also need players who are ready to come in and make an instant impact and know the Premier League. Another box Strand Larsen ticks after last season’s showing. There is also the sense that Strand Larsen’s lacklustre form this season isn’t entirely his fault. Wolves have been a complete mess this term, and lost Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri in the summer – two of their most creative players. Strand Larsen has been starved of delivery and has been playing in a very poor team for most of the campaign. Under new manager Rob Edwards, Strand Larsen has actually been stricken to the bench of late, and both results and performances have improved simultaneously. However, this may be due to the club knowing the player will move on this winter.

There is so much demand for a physical goalscoring no.9 in football right now, and it would appear not that much supply. At 1.93 metres and very astute in the air, Strand Larsen ticks the physical box, and his 14 goal tally last term shows he can find the back of the net in the Premier League. He is also only 25 years old – three years Mateta’s junior – so has time to further improve. Nevertheless, Palace will certainly be hoping for an improvement on this season’s numbers should a move get over the line.