Palace Near £45m Larsen Deal, Hijack Leeds United Bid​

Key Points

• Crystal Palace are in pole position to sign Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen ahead of Leeds United.
• Palace need a replacement for Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City, and a long-term successor for Jean-Philippe Mateta.
• Mateta wants to leave Palace in the final 18 months of his contract to play in the Champions League.
• Nottingham Forest have made a move for Mateta after Aston Villa and Juventus shelved interest; links also to Chelsea and Manchester United.
• Jørgen Strand Larsen, 25, scored 14 goals and provided 4 assists for Wolves last season in the Premier League.
• Newcastle United missed out on Larsen in the summer; his form has dipped this season.
• Leeds United submitted multiple offers for Larsen, with their biggest at around £40m, all turned down by Wolves.
• Crystal Palace have improved their proposal and are close to an agreement, valued around £45m.
• Fabrizio Romano reported on X (formerly Twitter): “Crystal Palace improved their proposal to sign Jørgen Strand-Larsen from Wolves.”
• David Ornstein revealed Palace are ‘agreement close’ to hijacking Leeds’ transfer for their ‘top target’.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) January 29, 2026 – Crystal Palace have surged into pole position to sign Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, potentially hijacking a deal that Leeds United had pursued aggressively, according to leading transfer expert David Ornstein. The 25-year-old Norwegian forward, who enjoyed a breakout season last term, is now the subject of an improved proposal from Palace worth around £45m, edging out Leeds’ rejected £40m bid. This development comes as Palace scramble for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Marc Guehi to Manchester City and amid Jean-Philippe Mateta’s desire to leave Selhurst Park.

Who Is Leading the Race for Jørgen Strand Larsen?

Crystal Palace have moved decisively into pole position, as first reported across multiple outlets covering the Premier League transfer window. According to David Ornstein, the renowned BBC Sport journalist, Palace are ‘agreement close’ to landing Larsen, Wolves’ ‘top target’ for many clubs this January. As noted by the Football365 team in their comprehensive update, Palace are active in the transfer market to replace Manchester City newbie Marc Guehi while seeking a long-term successor for Jean-Philippe Mateta.​

Leeds United, pushing for promotion from the Championship, had made Larsen their priority. Their biggest proposal was worth around £40m, but Wolves turned it down, as detailed in the original Football365 report. Fabrizio Romano, the Italian transfer guru, confirmed the shift on Tuesday morning via X: 

“Crystal Palace improved their proposal to sign Jørgen Strand-Larsen from Wolves.” 

Romano’s update, shared widely on social media, underscores Palace’s intensified effort to beat Leeds to the signing.

Wolves, facing a form dip for the 25-year-old this season, are holding firm on valuation. Larsen grabbed 14 goals and four assists in the Premier League last term, a breakout campaign that saw Newcastle United miss out in the summer window. Palace see him as the perfect fit to fill the void left by Mateta.

Why Are Crystal Palace So Desperate for a New Striker?

Palace’s forward line has been depleted. Marc Guehi’s transfer to Manchester City has left a defensive gap, but the more pressing issue is Jean-Philippe Mateta’s exit ambitions. Mateta has made it clear that he wants to follow Guehi in leaving Palace this month, as he enters the final 18 months of his contract and seeks Champions League football, per Football365’s in-depth analysis.

As reported by the Football365 news desk, Nottingham Forest have made a move to sign Mateta after Aston Villa and Juventus shelved their interest. Additional links have emerged to Chelsea and Manchester United, highlighting Mateta’s appeal amid Palace’s precarious squad planning. Football365 further noted: 

“Palace are taking an unnecessary risk with £40m transfer as new nadir looms for Glasner’s bitter exit tour,” 

pointing to Oliver Glasner’s challenges.

This striker shortage has prompted Palace to target Larsen specifically. It has become clear that they want Larsen to fill the void left by Mateta, despite competition from Premier League rivals Leeds United, as outlined in the core Football365 piece. Palace’s philosophical approach to transfers—balancing ambition with sustainability—is under scrutiny, with one related read titled 

“Crystal Palace, philosophical posers, and becoming victims of your own success” 

exploring their market dynamics.

What Is Jørgen Strand Larsen’s Recent Form and Background?

Jørgen Strand Larsen, 25, enjoyed a breakout season in the Premier League last term with Wolves, netting 14 goals and four assists. His clinical finishing and aerial presence made him a standout, though his form has dipped this season. Newcastle United’s summer pursuit fell through, paving the way for renewed interest.

Leeds’ multiple offers reflect his status as a ‘top target’. Their £40m bid was the highest, but Wolves seek closer to £45m, aligning with Palace’s improved proposal. David Ornstein’s revelation positions Palace to hijack the Leeds United transfer, a blow to Daniel Farke’s promotion charge.

How Have Leeds United Responded to the Hijack Threat?

Leeds United fans are digesting the setback. Having identified Larsen as essential for their Premier League return, the club now faces a scramble. Football365’s reporting confirms Leeds’ bids were turned down, with Palace’s late surge stealing momentum.

No official statement from Leeds has emerged, but the Championship contenders’ transfer strategy hinges on landing a proven goalscorer. Palace’s move, per Ornstein, leaves Leeds at risk of missing their man.

What Happens Next in This Transfer Saga?

An agreement close suggests Palace are on the verge. Fabrizio Romano’s X post marks a pivotal update, with Wolves likely to prioritise Premier League stability over Championship-bound Leeds. Mateta’s potential Forest switch could accelerate proceedings.

As January 2026’s window nears its close, Palace aim to bolster Oliver Glasner’s squad. Leeds must pivot quickly. This saga encapsulates the cut-throat nature of transfers, where £45m ‘top target’ Larsen could tip the scales.

Broader Context: Palace’s Transfer Philosophy?

Palace’s activity reflects deeper issues. Losing Guehi and facing Mateta’s demands expose squad vulnerabilities. Football365’s linked piece warns of risks in their £40m transfer gambles, with Glasner’s tenure under the spotlight.

Leeds, meanwhile, chase promotion without their prime target. Ornstein’s insight—‘agreement close’—from his Athletic platform, amplifies the drama.

Impact on Wolves and Premier League Rivals?

Wolves benefit from a hefty fee, recouping on a player whose form waned. Newcastle’s prior interest underscores Larsen’s pedigree. For Leeds supporters, it’s a gut punch; for Palace fans, a potential coup.