Leeds United Pursue Wolves Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen Amid Transfer Drama

Leeds United’s transfer ambitions have taken center stage this January, with the club making a bold move to strengthen their attack in the second half of the Premier League season. On January 23, 2026, Leeds submitted an official bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, a player long on their radar and seen as the missing piece in Daniel Farke’s evolving squad. But as the transfer window edges toward its close, the outcome of this pursuit remains far from certain.

Manager Daniel Farke, never shy about his desire for more firepower, has made it clear that bolstering the front line is a top priority. Leeds’ current position—standing two places and eight points above the relegation zone after 22 league games—reflects a remarkable turnaround from earlier in the campaign. With just one defeat in their last nine league matches, the Whites have clawed their way out of immediate danger, but Farke and his staff know there’s no room for complacency. More goals are needed if they are to secure Premier League survival, and Jorgen Strand Larsen fits the bill as a potential game-changer.

The Norwegian striker, now 25, has had a rollercoaster ride since joining Wolves from Celta Vigo. Initially arriving on loan in 2024 before signing a five-year deal that September, Strand Larsen made an immediate impact last season, netting 14 goals in 35 league appearances. This term, his form has been patchier—six goals in 23 games, including a memorable FA Cup hat-trick against Shrewsbury, but only one goal in the league. Still, his pedigree and physical presence have kept him on the wish lists of several Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham United.

Leeds’ interest, however, has been the most concrete. According to reports from the Telegraph and Leeds Live, the club moved first among suitors, submitting a bid that was swiftly rejected by Wolves. The offer, said to be £33 million with a further £6 million in potential add-ons, fell short of Wolves’ £40 million valuation. Wolves are not under pressure to sell, but with the club languishing at the bottom of the Premier League and facing an expected relegation, there’s speculation that their stance could soften—especially as competition for Strand Larsen’s signature appears to be waning.

Wolves head coach Rob Edwards addressed the speculation head-on: “He’s been great, he’s trained really well. He’ll be part of the squad tomorrow, so no change. That’s just all I’m looking at the moment, so seeing a player with a focus and a really good attitude. We’re not under any pressure to sell at all. We want to try and be as strong as we can throughout this period now, so unless we feel it’s the right thing for the football club, no-one will go.” According to Edwards, the club’s resolve remains firm, but the door isn’t entirely closed.

Leeds’ pursuit of Strand Larsen comes against a backdrop of tight financial constraints. After a summer spending spree north of £100 million, the club has maxed out its Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limits. Any deal for the Norwegian would require careful financial maneuvering, possibly involving player sales or creative structuring of payments. One player who could facilitate such a move is Joel Piroe. The forward has attracted interest from several Championship clubs, but he’s in no rush to leave. As Piroe told Voetbal International, “Honestly, that’s not on the cards right now. Especially because the season is still relatively short and there’s little time to adapt elsewhere. That would be very difficult. If I have to make a transfer, I’d rather join during pre-season and get fully prepared for a new adventure. But I’m not thinking about leaving right now. I still want and can be of value to Leeds and contribute to staying out of the relegation zone.”

Leeds’ attacking output so far has been respectable, with 30 goals in 22 games. Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the way with nine, while Lukas Nmecha has chipped in five, Brenden Aaronson four, and Anton Stach three. Yet, with fitness concerns surrounding Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha, and a desire to avoid being dragged back into a relegation scrap, the need for another proven goalscorer is obvious. Strand Larsen, despite his recent dip in league form, remains an attractive option—especially given his previous exploits at Celta Vigo, where he scored 13 goals in his final season before moving to England.

It’s not just up front where Leeds have been active this window. The club has also secured the signing of Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton, after the young Argentine cut short his loan at Chelsea due to limited game time. Nigeria international defender Leonard Ngenge, just 18, has joined from Remo Stars FC and will initially link up with the academy. Outgoings include Jack Harrison, who has moved to Fiorentina on loan with an option to make the deal permanent for £6 million, and highly rated forward Harry Gray, who’s joined Rotherham to gain first-team experience.

Injuries have complicated matters for Farke, particularly at the back. Key defender Jaka Bijol is sidelined for three to five weeks, while Gabriel Gudmundsson’s adductor issue has left Leeds considering further reinforcements at left back. Farke has stated that if an opportunity arises to strengthen, “we’ll stay awake” to it.

As for rivals in the chase for Strand Larsen, Crystal Palace looms large, especially as they look to replace wantaway striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Nottingham Forest and West Ham are also monitoring the situation, but Leeds’ early move could give them an edge—provided they can find a way to satisfy Wolves’ financial demands and their own PSR limitations. Notably, Newcastle United made unsuccessful bids of £50 million and £55 million for Strand Larsen last summer, underlining the striker’s perceived value even amid his recent struggles.

Looking ahead, Leeds’ transfer strategy is focused not just on immediate survival but also on building for the future. Creative talents like Martin Baturina of Como and Salford City’s Archie Oldham are on the club’s radar for summer moves, contingent on retaining Premier League status. The club’s recruitment team remains active, seeking a blend of youth with resale value and experienced campaigners who can make an instant impact.

With the transfer window set to close on February 2, the coming days promise to be decisive. Will Leeds push their bid for Strand Larsen over the line, or will Wolves hold firm? For now, the Norwegian remains a Wolves player, poised to feature against Manchester City at the Etihad, but the story is far from over. As the clock ticks down, Leeds fans—and their rivals—will be watching every development with bated breath.