Wolves Open to Selling Jørgen Strand Larsen: January Transfer Window Dynamics
Wolverhampton Wanderers appear increasingly ready to entertain offers for Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen in the January 2026 transfer window a dramatic shift from their stance just months ago. According to multiple reports, Wolves are willing to listen to enquiries for the 25-year-old forward, with Nottingham Forest among the most serious suitors, and other Premier League clubs also tracking his situation closely.
This comes despite Strand Larsen having recently signed a long-term deal with Wolves and despite initial resistance from the club to sell him during the summer transfer window. The January market could mark a fresh chapter in his career and a significant moment for Wolves, who find themselves in a precarious position both on and off the pitch.
Strand Larsen’s Journey to Molineux: From La Liga to the Premier League
Strand Larsen first arrived at Wolves on loan from Celta Vigo in July 2024, with the deal set to become permanent under performance triggers and those were met. By the summer of 2025, the Norwegian had signed a four-year contract with Wolves, making his stay at Molineux official.
His first season in the Premier League was a notable success:
- 14 league goals in the 2024/25 season, finishing as one of Wolves’ top scorers.
- High shot conversion and accuracy rates placed him among the more efficient strikers in the division.
This rapid adaptation to English football especially scoring more than a dozen goals in his debut top-flight campaign firmly established Strand Larsen as a player with significant capability and upside.
However, this promising trajectory has faced turbulence in 2025/26.
A Challenging 2025/26 Season and a Change in Circumstance
The current season has been far more difficult for Strand Larsen and Wolves. The striker’s output has declined sharply:
- Only one Premier League goal in over 15 appearances this campaign.
This trend coincides with Wolves’ broader struggles the club finds itself in or near the relegation zone midway through the season and has undergone managerial changes and tactical reshuffles in a bid to arrest a poor run of form. These struggles have steadily raised questions about both team performance and the futures of key players like Strand Larsen.
Given this context, Wolves appear more pragmatic about the possibility of selling him if the right offer arrives. Fundamentally, the club faces a balancing act: do they cling to a struggling star to aid survival, or do they capitalise on the residual market value he still holds?
Premier League Interest: Who’s in the Running?
Nottingham Forest
The most concrete interest appears to be from Nottingham Forest, who are actively pursuing a centre-forward as they fight to improve their fortunes in the Premier League. Forest have been in touch with Wolves regarding a potential move, and while no deal is imminent, his valuation is reportedly in the region of £40 million or above a figure that Wolves see as acceptable.
Forest’s motivations include injuries and absences to their key attacking options, meaning a forward with top-flight experience like Strand Larsen could be a valuable addition.
West Ham United
West Ham have expressed interest too, especially with recent departures and lack of goals affecting their season. Reports suggest the club has looked at Strand Larsen as a potential target after Niclas Füllkrug’s exit on loan. However, they are reportedly reluctant to meet Wolves’ asking price and see the valuation as “too expensive” given his current form.
The Hammers may push for a reduced fee or structure a deal differently, but as things stand, that interest remains exploratory rather than definitive.
Tottenham Hotspur and Others
Tottenham have been linked with Strand Larsen as well a somewhat surprising connection, but one rooted in their need for forward options due to injuries to other strikers.
Other clubs including Crystal Palace have been mentioned in the broader transfer discourse, though Palace’s interest seems more pronounced regarding another Wolves player, João Gomes.
Notably, well-established transfer interest from Newcastle United in the summer has not re-emerged publicly this window, though they were among the clubs heavily linked in 2025. Wolves rejected reports that Newcastle bid around £55 million for Strand Larsen during the summer transfer window evidence of prior strong interest from the Magpies.
The Contract Conundrum: Long Term, No Release Clause
One key detail in this saga has been the nature of Strand Larsen’s contract with Wolves.
When he committed to a long-term deal in September without a release clause, it removed a straightforward “escape route” for interested clubs meaning Wolves retain negotiating leverage.
This structure has two main consequences:
- Wolves can hold firm on their valuation a luxury that could maximise Strand Larsen’s price.
- Clubs must negotiate directly with Wolves rather than trigger an automatic release, making any deal more complex and financially demanding.
Clubs like West Ham and Forest must therefore meet Wolves’ valuation (reportedly around £40m+), or structure creative deals with incentives or add-ons.
Why Wolves Are Willing to Sell Now
Several intertwined factors explain the club’s change in approach:
1. On-Field Performance and Financial Pressure
Wolves’ slide down the Premier League table has created both sporting and financial urgency. If they continue to struggle or risk relegation, the economic impact could be significant making asset sales a strategic necessity.
Strand Larsen, despite his earlier success, has not been prolific this season, lowering his leverage but not erasing his underlying value in the market. Selling him now could bring in funds that aid squad reinvestment or balance financial books.
2. Squad Restructuring Under New Management
With managerial changes, tactical philosophies may shift and Wolves might see rebuilds as necessary. Bringing in new personnel or reshaping the squad might require funds that a high-profile sale could generate.
Strand Larsen’s physical profile means a buyer could be found quickly, and Wolves may feel this January window is the right moment to trade on his residual value.
3. Market Conditions and Buyer Demand
Premier League clubs often scramble for striking reinforcements mid-season due to injuries, poor form, or unmet expectations. Strand Larsen fits the profile of a player who despite a dip in form offers Premier League experience, aerial strength, and size that some clubs value. Thus, the market demand exists even if his current scoring rate doesn’t fully reflect his 2024/25 success.
What This Means for Strand Larsen’s Career
For Strand Larsen himself, this represents a pivotal moment. The Norwegian has shown he can succeed in England’s top flight, but his performance dip raises questions:
- Can he regain his confidence and scoring touch at Wolves?
- Or does he need a fresh environment to rediscover his best form?
A move to a club like Nottingham Forest or another Premier League side offers a fresh start, potentially under less pressure than a relegation fight at Wolves.
At 25, he still has several peak years ahead, and a January transfer could redefine his trajectory in English football.
Outlook and Conclusion
The transfer situation around Jørgen Strand Larsen encapsulates the fluid nature of the January market where clubs balance sporting needs, financial realities, and individual ambitions.
Wolves’ willingness to sell him represents a shift in strategy that reflects both their current struggles and the value they still see in the player. With interested clubs like Nottingham Forest pushing ahead and others like West Ham and Tottenham monitoring the situation, January could deliver a high-profile Premier League move.
However, the inherent complexities from contract terms without release clauses to Wolves’ valuation above £40 million mean that any deal will require careful negotiation.
This saga is far from over and how it unfolds will reveal much about Wolves’ transfer philosophy and Strand Larsen’s career prospects in the top flight.
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