Will Leeds United live to rue missing out on Jorgen Strand Larsen? Or will this be a case of a bullet dodged as far as the 49ers' ownership are concerned?
The Whites are believed to have been chasing the Norwegian striker this month, having previously seen a bid of around £30m rejected by Premier League strugglers, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Leeds-Wolves-Strand-Larsen
Interest in the 25-year-old has remained, although he now looks to be on his way to Crystal Palace, with a fee just shy of £50m having been accepted by the Molineux outfit.
That type of figure once bought you the likes of Kaka all those years ago, now it buys you a striker who has scored just one top-flight goal all season.
It remains to be seen how Strand Larsen will perform as Jean-Philippe Mateta's mooted successor at Selhurst Park, although for those at Elland Road, they may well be turning their attention elsewhere.
Leeds in the race to sign £69m-rated sensation
Whether or not Leeds do strengthen before the deadline is up for debate, having thus far only brought in Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, Facundo Buonanotte, on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Leeds-deadline-day
With safety certainly not secure for Daniel Farke's side, not least amid West Ham United's recent resurgence, it would be a risk not bring in further reinforcements before the window slams shut.
Perhaps, however, the 49ers simply have confidence that the Whites will beat the drop, with reports suggesting that they are already looking ahead to marquee summer targets.
Indeed, as per reports in Spain, Leeds are believed to be among the clubs who are 'exploring' a possible move for Real Madrid sensation, Endrick, with the teenage Brazilian currently on loan at Lyon.
That mid-season switch to Ligue 1 has ensured that the 19-year-old will only be available at the end of the campaign, rather than on deadline day, with Leeds in the mix alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.
Enquiries have been made regarding the ex-Palmeiras wonderkid, with this coming following recent reports that Chelsea had lodged a £69m bid to prise him from Madrid permanently.
Why Leeds could land a bigger talent than Strand Larsen
As already stated above, Leeds would have been taking a real risk with any deal for Strand Larsen, with the Scandinavian star currently looking like something of a one-season wonder, amid his woes in 2025/26.
Strand Larsen 2024-25 stats (timeless)
The departing Wolves talisman did score 14 Premier League goals last season in his debut year with the Old Gold, albeit with that campaign standing out as something of an anomaly considering his career both before and since.
Goal-shy this season, his previous work doesn't make for positive reading, having scored just 18 in 74 games at Celta Vigo, alongside just 27 in 71 at Groningen and nine in 61 at Sarpsborg.
Endrick, only in the infancy of his career, has boasted a far more impressive record to date, it must be said, even while being shunted to the periphery for much of his time at the Bernabeu to date.
The "spectacular" talent, as hailed by former manager Carlo Ancelotti, has scored seven times for Los Blancos despite only starting nine games in all competitions, having previously hit 21 goals in 82 games in his native Brazil, even as a mere teenager.
endrick-lyon
Now on loan in France, it has been a remarkable start to life at Lyon, scoring four times in just four outings to date, having typically operated off the right flank.
Already a star in his own right, this loan move has served as a reminder of what Endrick could go on to achieve later down the line, no doubt possessing a far higher ceiling than that of Strand Larsen.
Endrick - Ligue 1 25/26 stats
Stat (*per game)
Games
Starts
Goals
Assists
Big chances missed
Big chances created
Key passes*
Succ. dribbles*
Pass accuracy*
Stats via Sofascore
Still only 19, he has also scored three goals in 14 games for his country at senior level, sparking whispers that the 'new Pele' could have emerged for the South American giants.
It has been a quieter 18 months or so in Spain, but the young forward's talent is evident, with Leeds wise to look to invest their funds elsewhere, rather than gambling on a player like Strand Larsen.
Such interest in Endrick, of course, may have to be taken with a pinch of salt, although it potentially points to exciting times ahead for those at Elland Road.
Strand Larsen Related
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Leeds United can move on from Jorgen Strand Larsen by making a move for this star who was once signed for £64m.