Crystal Palace Beat Leeds United For This Premier League Forward: A Massive Boost After The Guehi Disaster? | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from The Athletic’s David Ornstein is believed to be true, Crystal Palace have won the race for Jørgen Strand Larsen. Leeds United were also after the Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-forward, but the Eagles have hijacked the deal, having offered a £45m + £5m package against the Whites’ £40m bid.

While it’s a blow for Daniel Farke, Palace fans have something to cheer for amid a dreadful run of results, the transfer chaos and Oliver Glasner’s scathing attack on the board. The gaffer’s outburst could not stop Marc Guehi from plying his trade in Manchester City, and the growing interest from Nottingham Forest in wantaway Jean-Philippe Mateta might have forced them to step up the hunt for the Wolves sensation.

Why Crystal Palace Have Made Their Move For The Striking Ace

Although Crystal Palace have slapped a £40m price-tag on the 28-year-old Frenchman, Forest’s initial offer is of around £35m, as they are desperate for a new ‘number 9’ amid Chris Wood’s long-term injury absence.

However, both teams are struggling for survival, and their strained relationship in the summer over the Europa League saga could script a late drama before Monday’s deadline.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 22: Jorgen Strand Larsen of Wolverhampton Wanderers takes on Dean Henderson of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace at Molineux on November 22, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Strand Larsen, a 25-year-old Norway international, progressed through Kvik Halden and Sarpsborg 08’s academy ranks back in his homeland. A failed loan stint at AC Milan Primavera saw him return to Sarpsborg, but a €1.10m move to the Dutch outfit Groningen changed his career. A boisterous spell in the Netherlands led to his stellar €15m transfer to Celta Vigo in La Liga. A productive 2023-24 campaign earned him a Premier League switch, with Wolves securing his services on an initial loan before making it permanent last summer for €30m.

Right Call From Wolves By Accepting The Offer?

Although the Wanderers rejected an astronomical £55m bid from Newcastle United in late August, things have changed at Molineux as they are heading towards a bottom-placed finish, with just 8 points after 23 gameweeks. They must recover 28 points in the 15 remaining fixtures to perform a great escape, but it seems highly improbable, given a distinct lack of energy and inspiration during play.

The Norwegian, who helped Wolves retain their top-flight status by netting 14 times in his maiden Premier League season, has been no exception, with just one goal so far in 19 league appearances. The club have made the right call by maximising the profit now and reinvesting in the summer to clinch an immediate return upon relegation, rather than see the valuation drop further by the end of the current campaign.