Jorgen Strand Larsen
Leeds United fans were left feeling disappointed with how the January transfer window turned out. There was a lot of optimism when the 49ers went out and signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan till the end of the season.
But unfortunately, not much went on at Elland Road last month. Leeds welcomed teenager Leonard Ngenge, and will sign Manchester United youngster Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher. The club also saw Harry Gray leave on loan to Rotherham United, and Jack Harrison also got his exit, joining Fiorentina in Italy.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
Ultimately, the club failed to land their biggest target in January, Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Whites were one of the first Premier League clubs to make contact over a move which never materialized.
Real reason Leeds United backed out of Jorgen Strand Larsen deal
With the window in England now shut, details have emerged about what happened between Leeds United and Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Whites were very interested in the Wolves man and even made an offer. However, TEAMtalk has now revealed the details of the offer the 49ers put forward.
Leeds wanted a loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer; with June 30th being the end of the financial year when it comes to PSR. That way, the club would be able to maintain their books while landed a huge transfer deal. Another reason the Norwegian international ended up at Crystal Palace is that Leeds did not want to offer more than £39 million in total, which would be a package of £33 million up front and £6 million in add-ons. Wolves wanted the cash up front, so a deal was not possible between the two sides and Strand Larsen ended up in London.
Owners have made a huge gamble
The 49ers had very good reason to financially structure the deal with a view towards the summer. But going all in on Jorgen Strand Larsen is a gamble they failed, and when they missed out on him they did not target any alternatives. Now, they have to bank their hopes on the trio of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe for the rest of the campaign.
Calvert-Lewin has been great but the fact that he can go down injured at any time is not great, and Nmecha has already been out for a few games with a knock. That leaves Piroe who has barely featured this campaign due to tactical reasons. Now, Daniel Farke will have to depend on the 25-year old if anything goes wrong with the first choice duo. It will be an interesting run from now till the end of the season.