Jorgen Strand Larsen relegation-clause claim emerges as Wolves bluff called out after Leeds bid
Leeds United may be able to exploit a potential relegation clause to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen in the winter transfer window.
YEP journalist Graham Smyth wouldn’t be surprised to see the Norway international available for cheap if the West Midlands club do get relegated.
Leeds have had a bid rejected for Strand Larsen, with Wolves open to keeping the centre-forward at Molineux until the end of the season.
While 49ers Enterprises may have some PSR concerns at Elland Road, they might want to press ahead with another offer after being rebuffed initially.
Wolves would rather sell Jorgen Strand Larsen in January amid Leeds United interest
Smyth believes Wolves are bluffing about being content with having Strand Larsen for the rest of the campaign.
The YEP journalist wouldn’t be surprised if reports of a relegation clause in the Elland Road targets contract at the West Midlands club were to emerge.
Despite suggestions that the Molineux hierarchy are happy to wait on the Norwegian star’s sale, they might not be able to get as much money in the summer.
Speaking on the Inside Elland Road Podcast on 23 January, Smyth said, “It would make no sense for Leeds to leave the table completely because I’m not buying this Wolves line that they’re content to keep the player until the summer, not entirely. Because we all know the difficulties of player trading in a post-relegation, apocalyptic landscape. And while it hasn’t come out that the player’s got a relegation clause, would it surprise you…?”
The journalist added, “Would it surprise you at all that he had something in there that would drastically reduce the amount of money Wolves could get for him in the summer if they went down? I wouldn’t be surprised. So I think they’ll be very open to the idea of him going because I think they’ll be able to get a lot more for him in January than after they go down, which is all but nailed on, isn’t it?”
Leeds are competing with the likes of Nottingham Forest to sign Strand Larsen, and it will be interesting to see how the centre-forward’s situation will unfold in the coming weeks as the transfer window comes to a close on 2 February.
- Read More: Leeds stand in Everton’s way in ‘fiery transfer battle’ as Daniel Farke finds ‘missing piece’
Daniel Farke may have alternative short-term striker solution at Elland Road
Callum Wilson has been linked with a move to Elland Road, with the England international looking to terminate his deal at West Ham United.
Only time will tell whether the 33-year-old will become a free agent once again before the 2 February deadline, but Leeds will surely have an opportunity to sign him on a short-term deal if that happens.
Wilson has struggled for game time under Nuno Espirito Santo, but the striker has scored five goals in eight Premier League starts for the Hammers.
The veteran Englishman will undoubtedly add quality and experience to the West Yorkshire outfit’s ranks, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be available anytime soon.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.