AliousPalace and West Ham Go Head-to-Head for Wolves Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen
Crystal Palace are reportedly preparing to challenge West Ham United in the race to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jorgen Strand Larsen as both clubs look to strengthen their attacking options in the next transfer window.
According to reports from Mike McGrath, the 25-year-old Norwegian striker has emerged as a major target for both Premier League sides. West Ham are particularly eager to bolster their frontline as they battle to avoid relegation, while Palace see Larsen as a potential addition to push their ambitions even higher.
Strand Larsen first caught attention during his spell at Celta Vigo before moving to Wolves in the summer of 2024 on an initial loan deal. His strong performances quickly convinced the Midlands club to make the move permanent. In his first full Premier League season, the striker featured in 35 matches, registering an impressive return of 14 goals and four assists.
Although the current campaign has not started as brightly for him, Larsen’s quality and physical presence continue to attract interest across the league. Wolves tied him down to a long-term contract running until 2030, but that has not discouraged suitors from circling.
West Ham are among the clubs most keen to secure his signature. The Hammers have endured a difficult first half of the season, and expectations of improvement following Nuno Espírito Santo’s arrival have yet to be met. With goals hard to come by, the London club are now viewing the January transfer window as a crucial opportunity to reshape their squad.
Nuno is believed to want a powerful, mobile striker who can lead the line effectively, and Strand Larsen fits that profile perfectly. West Ham see him as a key piece in their fight for survival and are weighing up a move despite the potential cost.
However, Crystal Palace are not prepared to step aside. The Eagles have enjoyed a solid campaign, but manager Oliver Glasner believes adding another striker could give his side the extra edge needed to challenge for a European place. As a result, Palace are ready to rival West Ham for the Wolves forward’s services.
Any deal, though, is expected to be complex. Wolves reportedly rejected a £55 million bid from Newcastle United last summer, underlining how highly they value the striker. While relegation could eventually force the club to reassess their stance, Wolves are unlikely to lower their asking price during the middle of the season, setting the stage for a tense transfer battle.
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