Report: Crystal Palace ‘open talks’ to sign Premier League forward | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Move Early for Strand Larsen as January Race Takes Shape

Crystal Palace’s January activity has quietly gathered momentum, with talks opened for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen according to TeamTalk. The Norway international has become one of the market’s most discussed names, and not by accident. Wolves’ willingness to listen to offers has turned a previously hypothetical move into a very real negotiation, and Palace appear determined to be at the front of that queue.

TeamTalk report that “Crystal Palace have quietly stepped up their January business,” with the Eagles opening discussions while others weigh up feasibility. That phrasing feels deliberate. Palace are acting, not simply monitoring. It reflects a club that understands the January window rewards decisiveness as much as financial muscle.

Glasner Targets Physical Presence in Attack

Oliver Glasner’s priorities are clear. The report states, “Oliver Glasner has been pushing for a physical presence to complement his current attacking options.” That description neatly frames why Strand Larsen fits. At 75 goals across his career, he offers a blend of power, movement and reliability that Palace have sometimes lacked when asked to alter their attacking profile.

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There is also an obvious context shaping this interest. With Jean-Philippe Mateta attracting attention, Palace are preparing for possible change rather than reacting to it. TeamTalk note that Palace “have now identified the Norwegian as a primary candidate to replace him in attack.” That suggests planning rather than panic, a theme that has often been missing in mid-table recruitment drives.

Matt Hobbs Factor and Early Talks

One understated detail may prove significant. Palace’s sporting director Matt Hobbs knows Strand Larsen well from his time at Molineux. Familiarity can accelerate trust, and trust can accelerate deals. The report adds, “Early discussions are understood to be underway, with Palace exploring both the structure of a deal and the player’s willingness to make the switch.” That indicates substance, not speculative interest.

Elsewhere, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton are described as watching cautiously, shaped by finances rather than intent. It leaves Palace in a position of relative clarity, even if negotiations remain fluid.

Leeds United Hit by Valuation and Wages

Leeds United’s position highlights how quickly a race can narrow. TeamTalk report that Leeds “are not in a position to meet the £40million valuation Wolves are seeking.” Add to that a “sizeable salary package,” and the double hurdle becomes insurmountable. Even creative offers, such as including Joel Piroe, “are unlikely to hold much sway.”

Wolves, preparing for life in the Championship, are seeking maximum value now. That reality tilts the balance towards clubs like Palace who can structure a deal and absorb the wages.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Crystal Palace supporter’s perspective, this move makes sense on several levels. There is a growing feeling that Palace have, in recent windows, waited too long to act, often reacting to departures rather than anticipating them. Opening talks for Strand Larsen now suggests a more proactive mindset.

Supporters would likely see this as sensible insurance against losing Mateta, but also as a chance to reshape the attack rather than simply replace like for like. Strand Larsen’s profile hints at a forward who can offer hold-up play, aerial threat and penalty-box presence, attributes that could give Glasner more tactical flexibility at Selhurst Park.