Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in a club-record £48 million deal on winter transfer deadline day.
The Eagles had been actively searching for a new centre-forward amid uncertainty over the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was keen to leave the club during the transfer window.
The Frenchman attracted interest from Juventus, Aston Villa and AC Milan, but no move materialised. Juventus could not match Crystal Palace’s valuation, while Villa opted to re-sign Tammy Abraham from Besiktas. A late switch to AC Milan looked to be on the cards, but the move collapsed after the Italian side pulled out following a failed medical.
Even with Mateta staying at the club, Palace pushed ahead with the signing of Larsen as they look to fix their shortcomings in attack. The 25-year-old is viewed as the club’s long-term option in attack, given that Mateta could likely depart at the end of the season.
Larsen joined Wolves from Celta Vigo in 2024 and scored 15 goals in 54 Premier League appearances. The deal includes a fixed fee of £43 million, with a further £5 million in add-ons and surpasses the £35 million paid to sign Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur last month.
Speaking after signing his contract at the club, Larsen said in quotes revealed by BBC Sports;
“I’m really excited to come to Crystal Palace. It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time now. I’m here to bring energy and goals, and to try to do my best for the club.”
The Norway striker has signed a four-and-a-half year contract at Crystal Palace until 2030, becoming their third addition of the transfer window and will wear the number 22 shirt. He could make his debut for the Eagles in next Sunday’s Premier League clash against Brighton.
