One goal in 21 games, plus bottom of the table: Nevertheless, Jörgen Strand Larsen is now transferring to Crystal Palace for over €50 million. What’s behind this?
In the final stages of the Oliver Glasner era, Crystal Palace is once again spending big. Around four weeks after the Eagles spent more money than ever before in their club history on Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur, they broke their transfer record again. And that’s for a striker who has scored one goal this season—from the penalty spot.
According to unanimous reports in the English media, Palace has agreed with Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are languishing at the bottom of the Premier League, on a transfer for Jörgen Strand Larsen. The 25-year-old Norwegian international will cost a base transfer fee of €52 million, to which a further €6 million in bonuses could be added.
This is not only because money is a little looser in England’s upper house than in other countries. Last summer, Wolves received a hefty offer for Strand Larsen, with Newcastle United bidding over €60 million in vain before Nick Woltemade came in with an even higher sum of €75 million.
Now Wolves, represented by star agent Jorge Mendes, have taken what is likely to be their last chance to secure a transfer fee in this range. With relegation looming, already 17 points adrift of safety, Strand Larsen’s value would certainly have fallen.
Way clear for Mateta – heading to Nottingham?
He had risen to these heights in the previous season when, then still on loan from Celta Vigo, he had an outstanding Premier League debut season with 14 goals. The Wolves then signed him permanently for €27 million and extended his contract in September until 2030 with the option of a further season.
As a result, his market value remained high, even though he lost a lot of his scoring threat this season. In a generally complicated situation at Molineux Stadium, he managed only one goal and one assist in 21 appearances, while also missing a second penalty.
Palace was not the only interested party, however, with Leeds United also said to have made a concrete, lower offer. His imminent move to London also clears the way for Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is moving away and may end up at Nottingham Forest – and will probably cost less than €50 million. The former Mainz player is more accurate than Strand Larsen, but he is also three years younger and only under contract until 2027.