Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe.
Leeds United were heavily linked to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen, but their valuation fell short of the forward’s asking price, which may haunt the 49ers.
The curtain has closed on a January transfer window that saw Leeds United take a notably measured approach. While the arrival of Facundo Buonanotte on loan was the only incoming business, it has now been revealed that the club were active in pursuing a major target, only to fall short of the asking price.
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While fans might have hoped for significant incomings and argued the club needed to let go of Piroe to finance the deal, the club showed a measured restraint in the market.
The club’s dormant winter activity was, however, supported by Michael Dawson, as he believes Daniel Farke has a strong squad already.
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s agent drops Leeds hint
New details have emerged regarding Leeds’ pursuit of Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who ultimately completed a dramatic move from Wolves to Crystal Palace in the window’s final hours, reportedly worth up to £48million.
According to a report from VG in Norway, Leeds United did indeed table a bid for the 24-year-old, but their offer fell significantly short of Wolves’ valuation.
In an interview with VG, the player’s agent, Tore Pedersen, shed light on the complex negotiations.
While not naming specific clubs, Pedersen confirmed he had “phone calls with several clubs” during the window.
“Some are dependent on selling before they buy. That is the market,” Pedersen stated, signalling the financial constraint that likely defined Leeds’ stance in the transfer window.
If Leeds were in fact one of these clubs that had to sell before being able to buy Strand Larsen, then the decision for the 49ers not to sanction the sale of Piroe essentially allowed Strand Larsen to sign for a direct relegation rival in Crystal Palace.
Position Team Points Games Played
15th Crystal Palace 29 24
16th Leeds United 29 25
Whether this is a risk that ultimately backfires remains to be seen; however, it is certainly enough to make certain sections of the fanbase nervous.
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Data suggest Strand Larsen is a better fit for Leeds than Joel Piroe
Although both strikers have had far from ideal seasons, with both struggling to find the back of the net regularly, the data suggests that Strand Larsen, even in his current form, would be a far superior option up top compared to Piroe.
Piroe has evidently struggled with adapting to the physicality of the Premier League, winning just 0.3 aerial duels per game with a 20% success rate and 0.2 ground duels per game with a 17% success rate
Strand Larsen, on the other hand, offers a far more physical presence up top, winning 2 aerial duels per game with a 39% success rate and 1 ground duel per game with a 27% success rate
(Sofascore)
These numbers alone are arguably why Piroe should’ve been forced out the door in January to fund a move for Strand Larsen.
When Piroe has played this season, Leeds look as though they have had ten players out on the pitch, with the 26-year-old lacking the required physicality to cut it in the top flight.
If Dominic Calvert-Lewin were to pick up an injury, for example, not securing Strand Larsen’s signature could be the difference between Leeds staying up or going down this season.
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