Jørgen Strand Larsen’s agent has hinted Leeds United needed to sell before they could attempt to buy the striker in January.
VG have an interview with the agent, Tore Pedersen, today. He discusses various details on Strand Larsen’s busy month. That culminated in a €49.7m move from Wolves to Crystal Palace.
The striker had been looking to leave Molineux since the summer. His loan from Celta Vigo was made permanent at that point, for €27m, however, suitors had lined up after a strong debut season in the Premier League.
Newcastle United pushed hardest but eventually went a different way, signing Nick Woltemade to replace Alexander Isak. That left Strand Larsen frustrated, turning his attention to the January window instead.
Several Premier League sides were keen at that point, including Leeds United. In fact, according to VG’s information, they made a bid for the striker. This, though, did not meet Wolves’ demands. Reports in England suggested it was €15m less than what Crystal Palace eventually paid.
Pedersen neither confirms nor denies that, nor does he name names. But he is willing to admit to talks, and suitors needing to sell first.
Leeds United were one of several clubs interested
“Things like this are worked on all year round. 365 days,” he said.
“When Wolves are struggling and Jørgen had a brilliant season last year, there are of course many who are interested in hearing what the status is. Strikers who are “Premier League proof” do not grow on trees.
“Jørgen was clear that he wanted to be in England. At that time, everything else was uninteresting, I have had phone calls with several clubs. Some show interest, others are more interested. Some are dependent on selling before they buy. That is the market.”
He was never concerned that a deal would be done, despite Strand Larsen only signing for Palace an hour before the window slammed shut.
That was less than optimal, to say the least. Negotiations with various clubs, including Leeds United, had been ongoing for weeks. Indeed, Strand Larsen appeared to be the subject of a tug of war for several weeks before Palace eventually won out. Pedersen insists that’s normal, though.
“The selling club wants the most, the buying club wants to pay the least. When you are in the middle of a window with a player who has a longer contract, it takes time,” he added.