Jorgen Strand Larsen domino effect set to provide clarity to Leeds United
This winter’s Jorgen Strand Larsen saga looks set to take another turn.
Leeds United face Arsenal on Saturday, and yet that game could almost be considered a distraction given the lack of time remaining in the winter transfer window.
The Whites have still only made one addition to their first team with the arrival of Facuno Buonanotte, but have been hopeful of signing a striker.
Leeds’ proposed move for Strand Larsen seemed to be off the table on Thursday afternoon, before rumours of a deal with Palace collapsing emerged, giving hope again.
And less than 24 hours later, it may well be off the table yet for good.
Aston Villa suffer injury scare in Europa League
A big reason behind Strand Larsen’s move to Palace hitting a wall is that the Eagles agreed to sign Evann Guessand on loan from Aston Villa.
The proposal was that the Ivorian would move to Selhurst Park on loan with an option to buy at the end of the campaign.
And while that deal may still happen, there’s a case to be made for that now also being in jeopardy.
Ollie Watkins suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury in Villa’s Europa League win over Salzburg on Thursday, and until they know the full extent of that, it’s rather difficult to see them allowing an attacker to depart.
With just four days remaining in the transfer window, it remains to be seen whether the Villans will find out the extent of the injury in time to rectify the concerns via the transfer window.
If Guessand’s move to Palace isn’t ratified, the Eagles may have no choice but to return to the table for Strand Larsen, and having agreed a reported £50million package for the Norwegian, that would again rule Leeds out of the equation.
The 49ers must have a succession plan in place
Leeds could quite easily go on to achieve survival regardless of what happens in the next few days on the recruitment front, but without the arrival of another striker, their chances of doing so are certainly lower.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin aside, it’s hard to see where the goals would come from, and the 49ers will certainly be aware of that.
Leeds have not made an improved bid for Strand Larsen for a few days, giving the 49ers no reason not to have at least looked at other options.
This was the exact same scenario that face dthe Whites in the summer, and that ended in disappointment.
The same cannot be allowed to happen six months later.
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