Crystal Palace's ambitious move to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen for a substantial £50 million fee may now be under serious threat, following the club's breakthrough in securing an agreement with Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand. This development casts significant doubt over a transfer that had been progressing rapidly, potentially reshaping the Eagles' attacking options and impacting Leeds United's own pursuit of the Norwegian international.
Palace's Striker Dilemma: Guessand Deal Complicates Larsen Pursuit
According to reports from reliable sources including The Athletic's David Ornstein, Crystal Palace were on the verge of finalising a major deal worth £45 million upfront, with an additional £5 million in performance-related add-ons, to bring Strand Larsen to Selhurst Park. However, the South London club's parallel negotiations with Aston Villa have resulted in a concrete agreement for Guessand, creating a potential logjam in their forward line recruitment strategy.
Guessand's Four-Year Agreement Details
The arrangement for Evann Guessand involves a structured loan move with significant future commitments. Palace have secured an option to purchase the former Nice player at the season's conclusion, but this could transform into an obligatory £28 million buy clause if Guessand meets specific appearance-related targets during his loan spell. This four-year framework demonstrates Palace's long-term planning, but simultaneously jeopardises their capacity to accommodate another high-profile striker signing.
Leeds United's Frustrated Interest
Leeds United had maintained serious interest in Jørgen Strand Larsen throughout the January transfer window, previously submitting a £33 million bid with £6 million in potential add-ons that Wolves decisively rejected. The Yorkshire club's pursuit now appears increasingly unlikely to succeed, with Wolves having established a firm £40 million valuation for the striker. Palace's proposed £45 million upfront offer significantly exceeded this threshold, positioning them as frontrunners until the Guessand complication emerged.
Mateta's Potential Exit Creates Uncertainty
Further complicating Palace's striker situation is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta's future at the club. The French forward has attracted concrete interest from Nottingham Forest, who are reportedly prepared to pay £35 million for his services. This potential departure could theoretically create space for both Guessand and Strand Larsen, but the financial implications and squad balance considerations make such a scenario increasingly improbable as the transfer window progresses.
Strand Larsen's Challenging Season
Jørgen Strand Larsen's current campaign statistics reveal a striker struggling for form, with just one Premier League goal from twenty-one appearances this season. Despite this modest return, the Norwegian international commanded substantial interest during the summer transfer window, with Newcastle United submitting two bids that reached £55 million at their peak. Wolves successfully resisted these approaches and convinced Larsen to sign a new contract, demonstrating their belief in his long-term potential despite his current difficulties in front of goal.
The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether Crystal Palace can navigate this complex transfer situation, balancing their commitment to Guessand against their apparent desire to secure Strand Larsen's signature. With Leeds United watching developments closely and Wolves maintaining their valuation, the January window's final stages promise further drama in this multifaceted striker transfer saga.
