Report: Leeds United told to pay £40m to sign Premier League forward | OneFootball

Leeds Eye Club-Record Strand Larsen Deal Amid Wolves Interest

Leeds United are plotting a potential club-record transfer as they attempt to secure the signature of Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. TEAMtalk sources have confirmed that Leeds are among 12 clubs pursuing the Norwegian, though Wolves remain firm on their £40 million valuation for the 25-year-old. For Leeds, whose focus this season has been Premier League survival under Daniel Farke, financing such a deal will require careful planning.

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Plans to Strengthen Attack

Farke has recently switched Leeds to a 3-5-2 system, returning to a two-pronged strikeforce. This formation has highlighted a shortage of quality options on the bench, with winger Noah Okafor occasionally deployed centrally due to Lukas Nmecha’s absence through injury. Sources confirm that Leeds want another forward to provide competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha, ensuring greater flexibility for the final months of the campaign.

TEAMtalk first reported Leeds’ interest in Strand Larsen last week, a story subsequently confirmed by both the Yorkshire Evening Post and David Ornstein of The Athletic. Wolves, meanwhile, are open to selling but have no intention of lowering their valuation, leaving Leeds to explore creative financial solutions.

Financial Strategy for Record Move

Leeds are considering a loan-to-buy structure to make the acquisition more manageable. A key lever in this plan is the potential sale of Joel Piroe, valued at £15 million. Including Piroe in a swap deal could reduce the immediate outlay for Strand Larsen to around £25 million. When amortised over the length of his contract, such a deal becomes more feasible for the Whites.

Leeds’ approach reflects a balance between ambition and financial prudence. Despite operating close to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations over the summer, the club is willing to explore a structured deal to secure a player who could make an immediate impact.

Wolves Prepare for Post-Premier League Plans

For Wolves, selling Strand Larsen now makes strategic sense. With survival in the Premier League increasingly unlikely, the club hopes to fund a strong Championship promotion push next season. Football Insider reports Wolves are targeting Bristol City’s Anis Mehmeti, a versatile midfielder with nine goals and six assists this season, as part of their recruitment strategy.

The Norwegian’s agent also holds a season ticket at Elland Road, having watched Leeds’ 1-0 victory over Fulham last weekend, fuelling speculation that a move to West Yorkshire may be on the cards. Whether Wolves will accept a swap involving Piroe remains uncertain, but Leeds’ interest is now firmly on record.

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Transfer Window Context

Leeds have already made one signing this January, with Facundo Buonanotte arriving on loan from Brighton. TEAMtalk sources also clarify that ongoing negotiations regarding a permanent move for the Argentine playmaker are continuing. Meanwhile, links to a €15 million Austrian attacker have been emphatically dismissed, underlining that Strand Larsen remains the priority target.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Leeds supporters, the prospect of signing Strand Larsen represents a significant statement of intent. The Whites have navigated a challenging Premier League campaign under Farke, and adding a proven striker would not only strengthen the squad but also signal that Leeds are committed to competing at the top level.

The proposed structure of the deal, using Joel Piroe as a potential bargaining chip, demonstrates shrewd business. It allows Leeds to manage finances responsibly while still pursuing a marquee signing. Fans will be encouraged by the club’s willingness to take calculated risks for survival and long-term growth.

If completed, Strand Larsen could provide the quality and depth required to maintain Leeds’ Premier League status next season. Supporters will also note the symbolic value of securing a player whose agent is a Leeds season ticket holder, suggesting a genuine desire to join the club. Overall, while the £40 million price tag is daunting, the strategic approach and potential impact on the squad make this an exciting development for the Whites.