Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has shed some more light on the approach Newcastle United made for him at the end of the summer transfer window.
It was a chaotic summer to say the least for Wolves, who lost many players – either as free agents or through selling.
It was anticipated that a few would leave the club. But no one really foresaw the exodus that came.
Arguably, Wolves’ squad is much weaker this term, and Vitor Pereira faces a huge task in keeping Wolves in the Premier League.
Right at the end of the window, Wolves’ squad could have been made even weaker, when Newcastle came calling for Strand Larsen.
Newcastle made two bids for the striker, one at £50 million and one at £55 million.
In the end, Wolves stood firm, informing Strand Larsen that he wouldn’t be sold. But Strand Larsen has now shared how close a move actually was to materialising.
Jorgen Strand Larsen admits Newcastle move was ‘close enough’
Losing Strand Larsen at the end of the window would have been a disaster for Wolves.
Having already seen Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri depart, Wanderers simply couldn’t lose their number nine.
And thankfully, the stance from Wolves over Strand Larsen was very firm – which was actually to the surprise of a lot of fans.
Strand Larsen has addressed the approach from Newcastle a couple of times since it happened, and on Monday, he was asked in a Norway press conference about the move and how close it was to happening.
He said (as quoted by Dagbladet): “Close enough. Of course: It was a great interest. It was something we were open to – me, Tore Pedersen (agent) and my gang.
“But I stayed and am quite happy with that too.”
- READ MORE: Who is Jorgen Strand Larsen? Meet the Wolves striker who has been compared to Erling Haaland
Strand Larsen shares how long he initially intended to stay at Wolves
In the end, the Newcastle move didn’t happen and he has since signed a new contract as a reward for his loyalty and professionalism. And Strand Larsen himself believes he acted in the right way amid the Newcastle interest.
Wolves hope he is now going to stay for years to come, although much will likely depend on the club staying in the Premier League.
| Jorgen Strand Larsen for Wolves (2024-present) |
| Appearances – 45 |
| Goals – 16 |
| Assists – 5 |
When speaking about Newcastle, Strand Larsen also shared what his initial plan was when he first signed for Wolves – and it’s clear the player has ambitions to move on and play for a bigger club, or a club that is competing for silverware, at some stage.
“The plan was to stay at Wolves for three or four years and take a step further after that. When the interest comes after just a year, it shows that I’m in the right place.
“(But) I got a clear message from Wolves that I’m not for sale.”