After a busy summer transfer window, Leeds United had a quieter time of things in January. They made just one signing, adding Facundo Buonanotte to the squad on loan, although he wasn’t the only target Daniel Farke’s side pursued.
They were always looking for market opportunities, and looked into signing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
They didn’t win that race, though, with the striker moving to Crystal Palace instead, in a deal worth £48m including add-ons. That, clearly, was not a fee Leeds were ready to match, despite a desire to bring the Norwegian to the club.
Strand Larsen
After signing three strikers in the summer, the question arose of why Leeds wanted Strand Larsen.
Why Leeds wanted to sign Strand Larsen
The 2025/26 campaign has been far from Strand Larsen’s best season, given that he has scored just one Premier League goal, a penalty.
Yet, the 25-year-old showed last term exactly how good he can be.
Strand Larsen goals per season (timeless)
In 35 top-flight games, the Wolves star bagged 14 goals, including a run of seven goals in nine games to end the campaign. He was a major reason the Old Gold finished 16th in the table and comfortably avoided relegation.
Last season, he showed more consistency than Leeds’ strikers have this time around. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is flying, with nine goals to his name, though Lukas Nmecha has only bagged five times, Noah Okafor twice, and Joel Piroe has not scored in limited minutes.
Leeds have depth up front, but are arguably missing that quality they only get from the former Everton striker.
In that sense, signing Strand Larsen, who averaged 0.48 goals per game last season, would have made sense. He certainly could have boosted their survival hopes.
jorgen-strand-larsen-wolves
However, in the long run, it may be a good thing they didn’t sign him, because there is a young striker whose path he may have blocked.
Leeds’ bigger talent than Strand Larsen
It is clear to see why Leeds wanted the Norwegian striker this winter. He could have brought goals to the side if given proper service, which would have played a huge part in their fight against relegation.
Strand Larsen 2024-25 stats (timeless)
In the long term, though, missing out on that signing could benefit the Whites’ homegrown talent, Harry Gray.
He is another member of the Gray family to come through the academy at Elland Road, and has already made an impression out on loan at Rotherham United.
Harry-Gray
After a first-team debut last season, Gray saw his opportunities reduced in the Premier League, making just one matchday squad.
The 17-year-old moved to League One Rotherham on loan, where he has already scored twice in four appearances, making an easy transition to life at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
This goal he scored at the weekend against Exeter City showed the type of talent Leeds have on their books. The England under-17 international had the confidence to pick the ball up in the left channel, drive inside on his right foot and fire home through a mass of defenders.
His numbers from the last two games, against Northampton Town and Exeter, further highlight his talent.
Aside from scoring in each game, he completed three progressive carries against Northampton and won six duels out of eight against the Grecians, showing different sides to his game.
Gray - last two games
Stat
Touches
Progressive carries
Duels won
Shots on target
Goals
Stats from Sofascore
Football scout Ben Mattinson described the teenager as “the real deal” at the start of the season, and it is easy to see why.
He has shone in academy football and is now proving that talent is transferable to senior football.
Harry-Gray-Leeds
It is exciting for Leeds fans to imagine how good he can become in the future. If Gray is already performing like this at just 17 years of age, then he is surely only going to get better.
Signing Strand Larsen would have been a good deal in the short term, but Gray’s talent is one that Leeds can benefit from more over the coming years. Watch out Calvert-Lewin, he's coming for the number 9 shirt.
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