Intriguing £23m Wolves transfer claim made after 'catastrophic' decision by Premier League rivals

Wolves attacker Jørgen Strand Larsen was ‘offered’ to fellow Premier League side West Ham in the summer transfer window, according to a report by West Ham Zone. However, the Hammers made the decision not to pursue a move for him which opened the door for his switch to Molineux.

Strand-Larsen, who is 24-years-old, has adapted well to life in England since his transfer to the Midlands back in July. He is currently on loan from Celta Vigo but his current side hold an option to buy him on a permanent basis.

The striker has made 20 appearances in all competitions so far, 19 of which have come in the league, and he has found the net on seven occasions. Wolves are currently sat in 17th place in the table and are outside the bottm three by a point after their first 19 fixtures. Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town sit below them in the drop zone.

Wolves director on Strand Larsen’s move

After signing him under former manager Gary O’Neil, the club’s Sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “Everyone knows that bringing in a number nine was really important to us this summer, and Jorgen was our number one target for the position, so we are really pleased to have signed him.

“He’s a great guy, who’s got a really good charisma and a great personality, and although he’s still young, still learning and still developing, he’s shown that he can score goals, and puts a lot of work and running in for the rest of the team. We talk a lot about humility at this football club, and he fits that perfectly.

“In Jorgen, we’re getting a guy whose career is on the way up and we hope to keep helping him improve and develop so he can get to the levels we think he can reach.”

Strand Larsen to Wolves permanently?

Strand Larsen is due to join Wolves permanently until 2029 if ‘certain clauses’ are triggered, as detailed on the official club website, which means his chances of staying are likely to depend on what league they find themselves in.

The Norway international started out at Kvik Halden before joining Sarpsborg 08 as a youngster. He rose into the first-team of the latter and went on to score 10 goals in 59 matches, as well as having a temporary spell in Italy with AC Milan.

FC Groningen came calling in 2020 and he carried on his goal scoring exploits during his days in Holland. He found the net on 27 occasions in 71 outings to land his move to Spain with Celta Vigo.

Strand Larsen has chipped in with 18 goals in 74 games for his parent club. Wolves’ immediate focus will be on survival this term under Vitor Pereira and if they do avoid slipping into the Championship, he will link up with them full-time which would be a boost. His career could have taken a different path though if West Ham had decided to get him instead last year but it wasn’t to be in the end.