32
Wolverhampton Wanderers have firmly rebuffed a £50 million offer from Newcastle United for striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, making it clear that he is not for sale.
Why Wolves Are Standing Firm
- No time for replacements: Wolves believe there’s insufficient time left in the transfer window to find a worthy backup if Strand Larsen leaves.
- Recently signed permanently: The 25-year-old Norwegian only signed permanently in July following a loan spell, so Wolves are reluctant to reverse course so soon.
- Key player in squad: Seen as a central figure in Wolves’ plans, especially as they lack depth in the forward department.
Newcastle’s Position and Next Steps
- Persistent interest but big hurdles: Newcastle is determined to strengthen their attack—particularly with Alexander Isak pushing for a move—but this bid highlights the challenge ahead.
- Dealbreaker valuation: Reports suggest Wolves would only consider selling for significantly more—over £60 million, according to multiple sources.
- Player open but not pushing: Strand Larsen has reportedly agreed personal terms with Newcastle, indicating his interest. However, he’s not pushing Wolves for a move.
Summary: Transfer Tug-of-War
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Offer | Newcastle bid £50 million, rejected by Wolves |
| Reason for rejection | No time to secure a replacement; newly signed permanently; vital part of team structure |
| Wolves’ valuation | Likely to demand £60 million+ if they were open to negotiation |
| Strand Larsen’s stance | Agreed personal terms, but not actively forcing a move |
| Newcastle’s dilemma | In urgent need after failing with other targets like Wissa, Ekitike, Sesko |
What It All Means
- For Wolves: Retaining Strand Larsen maintains squad stability and goal-scoring capability. The club appears unwilling to risk losing him without adequate preparation.
- For Newcastle: Their options are narrowing. They face a critical window to either meet Wolves’ valuation or pivot quickly to alternative targets before the transfer deadline.
- For Strand Larsen: Although personally open to a move, circumstances at Wolves mean that a transfer is unlikely—unless a compelling offer arrives and Wolves are confident in replacements.
