David Ornstein drops major West Ham transfer update ahead of January window | OneFootball

West Ham weigh January move for Jorgen Strand Larsen as striker search intensifies

West Ham United’s January priorities are coming into sharper focus, and David Ornstein’s report for The Athletic offers a revealing snapshot of how the club are thinking as the season edges towards its midpoint. With goals proving hard to come by and the relegation picture tightening, attention has turned to Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jorgen Strand Larsen.

As Ornstein reports, “West Ham United have expressed an interest in signing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers in January.” It is an approach that speaks to need rather than opportunism, a club looking for functional solutions rather than marquee statements. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham’s structure has become clearer, but the cutting edge has too often been missing.

January context driving striker interest

West Ham’s interest is framed by potential movement in the opposite direction. Ornstein notes that the club are “looking to strengthen their attack, especially amid talks to allow fellow striker Niclas Fullkrug to join AC Milan on loan.” That possible exit sharpens the urgency, and explains why enquiries around Strand Larsen are already under way.

Importantly, this is not a speculative loan. “Their enquiries over Strand Larsen are for a permanent transfer,” Ornstein writes, even if he stresses that “the situation is at an early stage and he also has other suitors.” That caveat matters. West Ham are surveying the market, not committing yet, but the intent suggests belief in the player’s profile beyond a short term fix.

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Wolves struggles and contract realities

On paper, Strand Larsen’s current numbers are underwhelming. “Strand Larsen scoring once in 15 Premier League appearances as Wolves sit bottom of the table” is not the sort of line that excites supporters. Context, though, is essential. Wolves have struggled collectively, and forwards often suffer first when confidence drains away.

Wolves themselves remain well protected. They “rejected offers from Newcastle United last summer before securing the Norway international to a new contract, which committed him until June 2030 with an option to extend by 12 months.” That long deal gives Wolves leverage, even if league position weakens their hand slightly as January approaches.

Familiarity with West Ham defence

One intriguing wrinkle is Strand Larsen’s record against West Ham this season. While league goals have been scarce, “the 25-year-old’s two other goals actually came during an EFL Cup victory over West Ham.” For recruitment departments, that kind of direct evidence rarely goes unnoticed. He has already hurt this defence, physically and positionally.

Recent moments underline a broader dip in confidence. West Ham’s own form faltered in a “3-0” defeat at Manchester City, while Strand Larsen “saw a penalty saved in Wolves’ 2-0 home defeat by Brentford.” These are fine margins, and forwards live and die by them.

What West Ham appear to be weighing is upside rather than optics. Strand Larsen remains 25, durable, and tactically flexible. In a system that demands pressing and self sacrifice, he may yet offer more than his raw numbers suggest.

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This report feels cautiously encouraging rather than thrilling. Strand Larsen is not a glamour signing, but January is rarely about glamour. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, there is a growing sense that the club want reliability and structure first, with flair added later.

The fact this would be a permanent deal matters. It suggests West Ham are thinking beyond a survival scramble, even if the table currently tells a worrying story. Fans have seen too many short term fixes arrive and disappear. A 25 year old international striker with resale value feels more sustainable.

There will be concerns, especially around his goal return at Wolves. One goal in 15 league games is hard to ignore. Yet many supporters will point to how Wolves have functioned this season, bottom of the table and low on creativity. Put Strand Larsen behind Bowen, Paqueta, and Kudus, and the picture could change quickly.

There is also something appealingly pragmatic about targeting a player who has already scored twice against West Ham. That suggests he can cope with the league’s physicality and tempo. For fans hoping for stability, survival, and a platform to build from, this feels like a sensible gamble rather than a desperate roll of the dice.