After a lot of speculation at the end of the transfer window, Wolves were successful in keeping hold of Jorgen Strand Larsen.
After Wolves paid £23 million to sign Strand Larsen permanently at the start of the summer, few anticipated what would go down at the end of the window.
Newcastle United came calling for Strand Larsen, making bids worth £50 million and £55 million.
But Wolves stood firm, and told Strand Larsen on deadline day he wouldn’t be leaving, which the player accepted.
In the last two weeks of the window, amid the pursuit by Newcastle, Strand Larsen behaved professionally, which prompted praise from fans.
Wolves are now looking to reward his behaviour with an improved contract – and Molineux News can share a potential timeframe.
Jorgen Strand Larsen could sign improved Wolves contract in a few weeks, but ‘definitely’ before January
Strand Larsen staying gives Wolves hope of surviving relegation,
He scored 14 goals last season, none of them penalties. Simply put, losing a player who’s proven himself capable of scoring goals in the Premier League would have been disastrous.
Now, Wolves want to reward their number nine.
We know the plan has been to hand him an improved contract – and Molineux News transfer expert Graeme Bailey has informed us of when this may happen.
He said: “They are looking to engage, obviously he’s just signed permanently. So I don’t think necessary it’s around the corner. But they’re very happy with him and they know he’s an outstanding player. They are looking to reward him and they told him during the window that they would happily do a new deal.
“They told him when the (transfer) deals got done that they would give him a new contract. He wants it doing sooner rather than later and he just wants to reward him.
“He will get a new deal. I think it’ll definitely be done before January. Will it be done within weeks? I don’t really see too many issues with it. In terms of a release clause, the club don’t like to comment really. I don’t really think Wolves want it to become a regular thing (after Matheus Cunha had one). I think it’s unlikely from what I’m being told.”
- READ MORE: Jorgen Strand Larsen’s surprising reason for wanting to leave Wolves for Newcastle United
Strand Larsen could be Wolves’ most important player this season
It cannot be overstated how important it was for Wolves to keep Strand Larsen.
Some credit must go to Jeff Shi for the stance and those around him took. It actually came as a surprise to some, given how Wolves love to turn profits on players.
But thankfully common sense prevailed – there was simply not enough time to find a good replacement, and Wolves would have been gambling with their Premier League status.
Strand Larsen will be one of Wolves’ most important players this season.
It is already shaping up to be a slog, but his performance against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup was a reminder of how impactful he can be.