Wolves Reject £55m Newcastle Bid for Strand Larsen

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Wolves have turned down a second bid from Newcastle United for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, despite the Magpies raising their offer to £55 million. The 25-year-old Norway international has become a key figure for Wolves, especially after scoring twice in their dramatic 3-2 EFL Cup win over West Ham on Tuesday.

This was Newcastle’s second attempt after an initial £50 million approach was rejected earlier in the week. Wolves are holding firm, pointing to two main reasons: the lack of time left in the transfer window to find a replacement, and the crucial role Strand Larsen plays in their battle for Premier League survival.

Strand Larsen only joined Wolves permanently from Celta Vigo this summer in a £23 million deal, after an impressive loan spell last season where he scored 14 league goals. His immediate impact this season has strengthened Wolves’ resolve to keep him.

Manager Vitor Pereira, speaking after the West Ham win, admitted that football always comes with the possibility of big sales, but made his own stance clear:
“Football is football and every player has a price. But for me, it is very important that we keep him. If it was my decision, of course he stays. He is a very important player.”

Newcastle’s interest comes as they continue to search for attacking reinforcements. Their situation has been complicated by Alexander Isak, who is reportedly pushing for a move to Liverpool. Isak’s absence this season has left a gap up front that Newcastle are desperate to fill.

The Magpies have also explored other options, including Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, though the Portuguese club is demanding £60 million for the 21-year-old. Attempts to sign Brentford forward Yoane Wissa have also been unsuccessful, with Brentford rejecting two bids — the latest worth £40 million.

For Wolves, the timing could not be worse. With the transfer deadline looming, they have little chance of finding a striker of Strand Larsen’s calibre if they let him go. More importantly, his goals are vital to their hopes of staying in the Premier League.

Last season, his 14 goals in 30 starts were a lifeline, helping Wolves steer clear of relegation after Pereira took charge in December. That kind of reliability is hard to replace, no matter how tempting the money on offer might be.

Still, Newcastle’s need may force them to raise their bid again. The question is whether Strand Larsen is worth £60 million or more, especially when Wolves only secured him for less than half that amount a few months ago.

For now, Wolves are digging in, and Newcastle have to decide how far they’re willing to go — or whether to walk away and look elsewhere.