Leeds United are hoping to add a little more firepower to their frontline this January, and they may do so by poking around the Premier League’s bargain bin.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Finn Littlewood talks us through the latest recruitment rumours at Elland Road.
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More firepower incoming?
Leeds were quick off the mark in registering interest in Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen early in the window, but after an opening bid was sent Wolves’ way, it became clear the two clubs are operating with very different calculators.
Leeds are thinking relegation discount, while Wolves are still clinging to “crown jewel” pricing.
Wolves, for all their sins, look nailed-on for the drop. Some have already whispered that this season could go down as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever disasters – and that’s saying something.
Still, even in the rubble, there’s been one shiny object catching the eye.
Strand Larsen has managed six goals in 23 appearances this season, following on from a respectable 14 in 38 last term.
Not exactly Erling Haaland numbers, but in a Wolves side that’s struggled to string two passes together without combusting, it’s not to be sniffed at.
Unsurprisingly, Leeds aren’t the only ones sniffing. Crystal Palace are reportedly monitoring the situation too, though their interest may depend on whether Jean-Philippe Mateta succeeds in his apparent quest for a ‘bigger club’.
Leeds, meanwhile, are enjoying a season that’s gone far better than most predicted. Rather than nervously glancing over their shoulder, the Whites look increasingly comfortable and on course to secure survival without needing to do mental arithmetic on the final day.
The turning point came when Daniel Farke pressed the tactical reset button, ditching wide play and opting instead for two centre-forwards – a move that raised eyebrows at first but has since looked inspired.
Is he needed?
Which brings us neatly to the big question many Leeds fans are asking: do we actually need Strand Larsen?
Dominick Calvert-Lewin looks reborn this season, thriving in Farke’s new system like a man who’s just remembered he’s quite good at football.
With two very similar striker profiles, this pursuit feels less like a tactical necessity and more like an “opportunity buy”. The footballing equivalent of spotting a designer coat on sale and convincing yourself you’ll need it one day.
That said, the centre-forward market is painfully thin, and quality options don’t grow on trees. Even if Strand Larsen isn’t an immediate upgrade, he could prove a shrewd addition over time.
If Leeds are serious, though, they’ll need to move quickly. The window slams shut on Monday, and another – significantly more tempting – bid will be required to persuade Wolves to part with their prized asset.
So far, Leeds have dipped into the market once, securing Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Chelsea. The Argentine made his debut on Monday night against Everton and offered a glimpse of what he might bring to the party.
Not to read too much into the tiny details, but Strand Larsen’s agent, Tore Pederson, happens to be a Leeds fan – so would surely much prefer his client pulling on white in West Yorkshire than trudging through the Midlands.
Whether that’s enough to tip the scales remains to be seen. But if nothing else, this saga has all the ingredients: desperation, negotiation, and just a hint of romance. Classic January stuff.
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