Jorgen Strand Larsen’s future was up in the air in recent weeks, but now that he is staying, the next question is how he will perform for Wolves.
As of now, Jorgen Strand Larsen is dealing with an injury that has kept him out of international duty.
The Norwegian was tempted by a move to Newcastle in the final weeks of the window, but that didn’t slow him down in his last appearance, where he scored a two-minute brace to sink West Ham.
Jeff Shi sees no reason why that shouldn’t continue.
Jeff Shi makes a strong statement about Jorgen Strand Larsen
The Wolves chairman recently gave an interview for the club’s YouTube channel, in which he gave his assessment of the window.
Some of Shi’s remarks haven’t pleased the fanbase, who feel more should have been done to give Vitor Pereira the tools he needs to build on the success of last season.
Shi’s stance on the Strand Larsen transfer was a rare finding of common ground with Wolves fans, though. He rejected Newcastle’s advances, and now looks forward to seeing the Wolves striker back in action.
He says: “Yeah. I think Jorgen is one of the most important players in the squad and in last season of course but also in the season for sure and he can be better of course and he scored 14 goals. I hope he can score 20 goals this season.”
20 goals is a high bar to set for any striker, but Shi clearly sees Strand Larsen’s potential.
In fact, he aims even higher: “I’m sure he will score a lot in the season, and with our support and teamwork, hopefully he can improve to be a top striker in the league and in the world. And also to help the team achieve something special this season.”
Shi and the club’s desire to keep the 25-year-old makes sense if this is the trajectory they see him on.
Jeff Shi doesn’t see there being any issues with Jorgen Strand Larsen after Newcastle debacle
Strand Larsen’s head was clearly turned by Newcastle, but nothing came of it.
Shi was asked if he ever considered a sale, to which he responds: “No, never. Never considered to sell him in the window.”
As far as Shi is concerned, it will be back to business as usual. “Sometimes with the market, of course, every person has some chance to move in your career,” says Shi.
“But he is a boy I believe 100% will forget about that and get up, move on and commit to the team immediately after the window shuts, so you will see him play and perform very well.”
Hopefully the chairman is correct, because Wolves need Strand Larsen at his best in order to turn this abysmal start around.