Crystal Palace are actively assessing Jorgen Strand Larsen as a potential forward addition in the final hours of the January window, with the move tied closely to the unresolved situation surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Eagles have made enquiries for the 25-year-old Norwegian international from Wolves, where he remains under contract until 2030 following a five-year extension signed in September 2025 with an option for a further year. Strand Larsen's profile — physical presence, aerial ability, and goal threat — has drawn interest from multiple Premier League sides, but Palace's pursuit appears conditional on Mateta's potential exit.
Mateta, 28, has informed the club of his desire to seek a new challenge, prompting a £35m offer from Nottingham Forest that Palace are reluctant to accept without a suitable replacement lined up. The Frenchman, who has started all 23 Premier League matches this season and scored eight goals, holds significant value with less than 18 months left on his deal, though the club are believed to seek a package closer to £40m. Head coach Oliver Glasner, committed until the end of the season despite confirming he will not renew, has been clear: "JP will stay if we don’t have the right replacement who can play immediately." This stance underscores the strategic need for cover in attack amid a turbulent period that has also seen captain Marc Guehi sold to Manchester City.
Strand Larsen's Appeal and Wolves Stance
Strand Larsen joined Wolves in summer 2025 and has shown flashes of quality, though his output this term — three goals in 13 appearances — has tempered earlier hype following a strong previous campaign. His £40m valuation reflects Wolves' reluctance to sell a player they view as integral, especially as they battle at the foot of the table under manager Vítor Pereira. Palace's interest, first noted in December but reignited by Mateta's unrest, positions them alongside Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, all of whom have made enquiries. Leeds submitted an initial bid that was rejected, while Palace's late push suggests they see Strand Larsen as the ideal Mateta understudy or successor — a left-footed, target-man option capable of linking play and holding up the ball in Glasner's system.
Tactically, Strand Larsen's attributes align with Palace's needs for a physical focal point who can occupy defenders and create space for wingers or midfield runners. His Norway international experience adds reliability, and at 25 he offers long-term upside compared to Mateta's profile. However, any deal would require Wolves to soften their demands amid their own PSR pressures and survival fight, making negotiations tight with the deadline approaching.
Market Dynamics and Betting Signals
The betting markets have responded to the late-window activity, with odds tightening on Strand Larsen's next club reflecting Palace's momentum. Crystal Palace and Leeds are priced equally as frontrunners, while Nottingham Forest trail as outsiders. The latest Jorgen Larsen next club odds indicate growing market confidence in a Premier League stay for the striker, though scepticism lingers over Wolves' willingness to sell mid-season without a strong replacement. A successful Palace move would represent shrewd business — securing depth without overcommitting if Mateta stays — but failure could leave Glasner exposed in attack during a crucial run-in.
Financially, Palace's position is delicate: recouping funds from a Mateta sale would fund the Strand Larsen pursuit, but missing both could strain resources. Glasner's public frustration over recent decisions, including Guehi's exit, adds pressure to strengthen decisively. Strand Larsen's availability has come at an opportune moment, yet the window's chaos means outcomes remain fluid until Monday's close.
Window Implications and Forward Planning
If Palace secure Strand Larsen, it would enable a Mateta sale while preserving attacking options, a pragmatic response to squad unrest. Retaining Mateta without reinforcement risks tactical imbalance, particularly given Glasner's emphasis on immediate impact from new signings. For Strand Larsen, a switch to Selhurst Park offers regular Premier League minutes and a platform to rebuild value after a mixed start at Molineux. The next 48 hours will prove decisive, with multiple clubs circling and Wolves holding firm on valuation. Palace's late enquiry highlights their adaptability in a challenging window, but execution will determine whether this potential deal strengthens or exposes their forward line for the remainder of the campaign.