Newcastle United's pursuit of striking reinforcements has hit a snag as Wolves have rejected their £50 million bid for Norwegian international Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Magpies, keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of a demanding season that includes Champions League football, identified the 25-year-old as a key target. However, Wolves are adamant that the striker is not for sale during this transfer window.
Wolves' firm stance is rooted in their belief that Strand Larsen is too important to their squad, and with limited time remaining in the transfer window, finding a suitable Premier League-ready replacement would be a significant challenge. The club exercised their option to buy Strand Larsen outright on July 1st for £23 million after he spent the previous season on loan from Celta Vigo. He impressed during his loan spell, scoring 14 Premier League goals in 35 appearances in the 2024/25 season and has started both of Wolves' games this season. His contribution accounted for a third of Wolves' Premier League goals last season, with 14 goals and 4 assists in 30 starts and 5 substitute appearances.
Manager Vitor Pereira has publicly acknowledged Strand Larsen's importance to the team but stopped short of guaranteeing he would remain at the club, fueling speculation about a potential move. He emphasized the player's commitment and fighting spirit, highlighting his focus on the team.
Newcastle's interest in Strand Larsen stems from their need to reinforce their attack. With Callum Wilson's departure earlier in the summer, the club is looking for a player to fill his shoes. It's understood that Newcastle views Strand Larsen as a replacement for Wilson, rather than a replacement for Alexander Isak, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool.
Despite the rejection, reports suggest that discussions between Newcastle and Wolves are ongoing, indicating Newcastle's determination to negotiate a deal. However, Wolves are holding firm, and it may take a significantly improved offer to change their stance. Some reports indicate that Wolves would only consider selling Strand Larsen for a fee of at least £60 million.
Newcastle have been exploring other options to bolster their attack, including Brentford's Yoane Wissa, for whom they reportedly had a £40 million bid rejected. The club has also been linked with other strikers, including Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has made it clear that the club will not go into the new season without a senior striker. With the transfer window closing soon, Newcastle are running out of time to secure their targets. They may need to increase their offer for Strand Larsen significantly or turn their attention to alternative options to ensure they have adequate firepower for the upcoming season.
