Crystal Palace have reportedly won the race for Jørgen Strand Larsen with a higher offer than Leeds; Wolves appear to be cashing in amid a slump. Betting angle: Palace’s new striker could boost their goalscoring — punters might back Palace to score over 1.5 goals in upcoming games or place an anytime-scorer wager on Strand Larsen in his first few matches.
Crystal Palace hijack Strand Larsen transfer as deadline looms
Crystal Palace has reportedly surged ahead in the race to sign Jørgen Strand Larsen, submitting a larger package than rival suitors. The Eagles’ move comes amid a turbulent spell at the club and increasing pressure to bolster their attack before the window closes.
Deal details and rival interest
Reports indicate Crystal Palace offered a £45m fee plus £5m add-ons, topping a £40m proposal from Leeds United. Interest from other Premier League sides and a separate search for a forward — prompted by attention on players like Jean-Philippe Mateta — helped accelerate Palace’s pursuit.
Why Wolves may have accepted
Wolverhampton Wanderers are weighing short-term financial logic against sporting risk. After rejecting a previous £55m bid, the club now faces a slide in form and the genuine threat of relegation. Selling Strand Larsen now would lock in significant profit and free funds for a post-season rebuild, rather than watch his value fall further.
Player profile and trajectory
Jørgen Strand Larsen, a Norway international, progressed through Kvik Halden and Sarpsborg 08 before moving to Groningen for roughly €1.1m. Success in the Netherlands earned a €15m transfer to Celta Vigo and then a Premier League switch to Wolves, initially on loan and later made permanent for around €30m. He scored 14 goals in his first full Premier League season but has struggled for form this campaign, managing only one league goal in 19 appearances.
How this shapes the relegation battle
For Palace, adding a striker of Strand Larsen’s pedigree could be a timely boost as they battle inconsistent results. For Wolves, the sale would reflect a pragmatic response to dwindling form and the financial realities of a potential drop to the Championship.
Immediate tactical impact
A new centre-forward gives Palace fresh options: a focal point for long balls, a target in the box on set pieces, and an outlet to relieve midfield pressure. Expect a short-term shift toward more direct attacking patterns while the new signing bed-in.
Betting implications and market moves
Bookmakers will likely react to Palace strengthening their forward line. Short-term market signals to consider:
Short-term markets
Back Palace to score over 1.5 goals in matches immediately after the signing if early team selection and fixtures look favourable. Stake on Strand Larsen as an anytime scorer in his first two to three appearances could offer value if priced attractively.
Season markets
Odds on Palace to climb out of the relegation zone or on Strand Larsen to finish as Palace’s top scorer may shorten as the transfer is formalised; conversely, Wolves’ relegation odds could shorten if funds are not reinvested effectively.
What to watch next
Confirmed paperwork and the timing of Strand Larsen’s integration will determine immediate impact. Punters should monitor team sheets, early substitutions, and injury news before placing wagers.
Leeds and Crystal Palace offered 12-goal forward this month
If a recent transfer update from The Athletic’s David Ornstein is believed to be true, Crystal Palace have won the race for Jørgen Strand Larsen. Leeds United were also after the Wolverhampton Wand...
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