Crystal Palace In Talks Over Premier League Striker As Mateta Nears Exit

Crystal Palace are in talks with Wolves over the transfer of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen before the end of the January window.

Norwegian international Strand Larsen, 25, has been identified as a possible replacement for Jean-Phillipe Mateta.

The search for a Mateta replacement has been ramped up this week, after the French striker told Palace of his desire to leave.

That news comes in the wake of a series of high-profile departures for the eagles.

Last week, defender Marc Guehi and manager Oliver Glasner’s exits were confirmed.

But while there have been numerous outgoings, the club are still trying to bring new talent to Selhust Park.

And it looks like Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen may be the next major arrival at the South London club.

Crystal Palace In Talks Over Wolves Striker Stand Larsen

With a reported price tag of around £40 million, Norwegian forward Strand Larsen won’t come cheaply.

But Wolves’ situation, bottom of the table and 14 points from safety, means they will struggle to keep any players that want out.

Relegation is all but mathematically guaranteed for Rob Edwards’ side at this stage.

So maximising profit from their most valuable assets is a necessary evil.

All 1️⃣4️⃣ of Jorgen Strand Larsen’s goals last season ⚽️

And now he has signed a new contract at @Wolves ✍️ pic.twitter.com/NymAWtG2PN

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 19, 2025

Strand Larsen is one of those who could fetch a hefty price, and Palace have a trump card to play.

Eagles sporting director Matt Hobbs was instrumental in bringing the striker to Molineux during his time at Wolves.

Now pulling the strings for Palace, Hobbs’ familiarity may prove crucial in negotiations.

Strand Larsen has proven his ability in the Premier League, netting 14 goals last season despite Wolves’ struggles.

Put in a mid-table side and given more opportunities, he could kick on to an elite level.

Palace Face Stiff Competition for Strand-Larsen

Things won’t be straight forward for Palace, though, with several other clubs interested.

Leeds United are keen on Strand-Larsen, and saw an initial bid rejected this week.

BREAKING: Wolves have rejected an initial bid from Leeds for Jorgen Strand Larsen

The value of it is currently unconfirmed but Wolves are believed to value him at £40m. pic.twitter.com/64dvKS4iMR

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 23, 2026

Meanwhile, Newcastle and Tottenham are also monitoring his situation.

Newcastle even offered Wolves close to £60 million over the summer as they tried to find a replacement for Alexander Isak.

But the key factor for Palace will be the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta.

With 18 months left on the Frenchman’s deal, talks over a new contract have stalled.

Manager Oliver Glasner has admitted that “there will be a price” at which Palace would have to accept selling Mateta.

But should that asking price not be met, the Eagles will not allow their star striker to depart.

Should Crystal Palace Sign Jorgen Strand Larsen?

For both Palace and Strand Larsen, the mover is an appealing one.

Palace would be getting a proven goal scorer who has shone in one of the worst teams in Premier League history.

And Strand Larsen would be moving to a mid-table club, safe from relegation and with ambitions to compete in Europe.

However, January moves rarely work out immediately. A lack of pre-season and time to adapt to new surrounds and new teammates mean players making the switch mid-season often struggle at first.

And if Wolves refuse to budge on their £40 million valuation, Palace would be spending a massive sum on a player who may not be at the level required.

As mentioned, this one hinges almost entirely on if Mateta leaves.

But if Palace aren’t careful, they could miss out on Strand Larsen, and then see Mateta depart very late in the window.

The question is therefore how much risk Palace are willing to take with their striker recruitment.