Key Points
- Leeds United have submitted a formal transfer bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, marking the first concrete offer in the January 2026 window.
- Wolves rejected the bid as it fell significantly below their £40 million asking price; the offer was lodged several days ago.
- Strand Larsen, a 25-year-old Norwegian international, joined Wolves permanently from Celta Vigo for £23 million (€27 million) in July 2025 after a loan spell where he scored 14 Premier League goals last season.
- This season, he has managed six goals across all competitions, including a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury and two in the Carabao Cup against West Ham, but only one in the Premier League.
- Wolves, bottom of the Premier League with one win, are open to selling due to Strand Larsen’s struggles, fan relations, and relegation fears, but value him highly.
- Newcastle United previously had £50 million and £55 million bids rejected last summer; they remain a target club but have not renewed pursuit.
- Other interested Premier League rivals include Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and mentions of Tottenham Hotspur.
- Strand Larsen signed a new five-year contract with Wolves in September 2025, running until 2030 with a 12-month option.
- Leeds’ interest intensified after speculation, aiming to bolster their attack in a 3-5-2 system; transfer journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed the rejection.
- Wolves manager Vitor Pereira praised Strand Larsen’s character and skills post-contract signing.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) January 23, 2026 – Leeds United have lodged a formal transfer bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, escalating a competitive race among Premier League rivals for the Norwegian forward’s signature during the January transfer window.
What Triggered Leeds United’s Bold Bid?
Leeds United’s pursuit of Jørgen Strand Larsen gathered momentum following sustained speculation linking the 25-year-old to Elland Road.As reported by sources speaking to The Athletic, Leeds expressed interest as early as January 16, 2026, before submitting the opening concrete proposal. The bid, however, was swiftly rejected by Wolves, who deemed it well short of their £40 million valuation.
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, cited by Football365, stated on X (formerly Twitter):
“Leeds made a formal bid for Jørgen Strand Larsen, as @mcgrathmike called. Understand offer placed a few days ago and has already been rejected. Wolves value Strand Larsen at £40m. Would be content to keep this winter. Crystal Palace among several clubs showing interest.”
Wolves sources, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Athletic, confirmed the initial offer’s dismissal, noting the club’s openness to a sale only at the right price. BBC Sport reported that the proposal
“significantly missed Wolves’ asking price of £40 million and was submitted several days ago.”
Who Are the Key Rivals Chasing Strand Larsen?
Newcastle United emerge as a prominent prior suitor, having seen bids of £50 million and £55 million rebuffed last summer. According to Chronicle Live reports from last year, Newcastle’s interest persisted after failed attempts, with Wolves lowering expectations to around £40 million amid relegation concerns, though no fresh move has materialised this window.
Nottingham Forest have shown strong interest, including Strand Larsen on a shortlist of four forwards, as per The Athletic in early January. TalkSPORT understands Forest are eager, especially after Chris Wood’s injury, with Wolves open to a deal benefiting all parties. Sky Sports News reported Forest and Crystal Palace making enquiries this month.
West Ham United eyed him in December to bolster their attack but signed Pablo Felipe Taty Castellanos instead. Crystal Palace continue to monitor, alongside fleeting Tottenham Hotspur links, though Spurs lack finances for a big move. VG, via TransferFeed, noted Wolves’ willingness to sell as Strand Larsen is no longer central under new management.
Why Might Wolves Sell Jørgen Strand Larsen Now?
Wolves sit bottom of the Premier League with one victory, prompting a squad revamp ahead of potential relegation. Strand Larsen’s form has dipped: one league goal from 20 appearances this season, despite cup hauls including a hat-trick versus Shrewsbury and doubles against West Ham. Relations with supporters have soured, making a Molineux exit likely if valuation met.
The club recouped their £23 million outlay from Celta Vigo easily, per TalkSPORT, potentially doubling it. Manager Vitor Pereira hailed the forward post-September contract:
“To elevate our level, we require players like Larsen. It’s not solely about his tactical and technical skills; his character and drive are equally vital.”
Yet, Wolves rejected suitors before, signing him permanently in July 2025 after a record-breaking loan debut.
BBC Sport added:
“Wolves are open to parting ways with the Norwegian player… provided they receive a satisfactory bid during the transfer window.”
What Is Strand Larsen’s Background and Form?
Jørgen Strand Larsen, 25, arrived at Wolves on loan from Celta Vigo in 2024, scoring 14 Premier League goals – the best debut campaign in club top-flight history. Permanent for £23 million (€27 million) in July 2025, he inked a five-year deal to 2030 (plus option) in September, post-Newcastle rejections.
Last season’s haul included nominations for Player of the Month after Leicester; key strikes versus Southampton and Ipswich aided survival. This term, injury hampered starts, but he nears return. Norwegian analyst Pål André Helland praised his “proven scoring instinct against strong opposition.” Contracted to 2029 initially, he respects Wolves but eyes Premier League stays.
Keith Wyness, ex-Everton CEO, told Football Insider: Leeds could snag him £20 million below asking, given Wolves’ plight.
How Does This Fit Leeds United’s Plans?
Leeds, pushing a 3-5-2, view Strand Larsen as the “missing piece up front,” per One Leeds YouTube analysis. Chronicle Live noted Leeds stepping ahead of rivals with the formal declaration. Former exec Wyness sees a bargain amid Wolves’ desperation.
Strand Larsen wants Premier League football if leaving, per Sky Sports, suiting Leeds’ ambitions. Yet, Wolves are “quite content for Strand Larsen to stay,” despite interest. No precise bid figure disclosed; Leeds silent.
What Happens Next in the Transfer Saga?
Wolves negotiate separately with Besiktas for defender Emmanuel Agbadou (£17 million ask vs £13 million bid), signaling sales intent. Strand Larsen’s future hinges on offers matching £40 million; Leeds may return, rivals lurk.
As January window heats, all eyes on Molineux. Wolves face Leeds Saturday – Strand Larsen could feature from bench. Saga underscores Premier League’s cut-throat market, with relegation battles fuelling moves.
