Vitor Pereira shared what he noticed about Jorgen Strand Larsen amid Newcastle transfer interest
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira has offered his thoughts on Jorgen Strand Larsen’s situation, after speculation emerged linking the striker with a possible move to Newcastle United before the close of the transfer window.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Wolves’ crucial Premier League clash against Bournemouth, Pereira was inevitably quizzed about the Norwegian forward, whose name has been circulating in the rumour mill despite only recently making his loan deal permanent at Molineux.
Strand Larsen, who joined Wolves permanently at the start of the summer window following a promising loan spell, has already become the subject of transfer speculation. Reports suggest Newcastle are monitoring his situation closely, viewing him as a possible target as they attempt to strengthen their attacking options. The Magpies are also making progress on a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, but Strand Larsen is seen as an alternative candidate to bolster Eddie Howe’s frontline.
Pereira insists Strand Larsen is focused on Wolves
When asked about the 24-year-old’s uncertain future, Pereira was careful with his words but gave supporters some reassurance.
“I watch him in training and he’s committed,” the Wolves boss said, as quoted by journalist Liam Keen. “He’s preparing himself to play tomorrow. If the window is open, players can come and leave. This is football.”
The response was measured, but it was enough to suggest that Strand Larsen is not currently pushing for an exit. For Wolves fans, that will come as encouraging news, especially given how vital the forward could be to their season after the club lost several key attacking players this summer.
Losing Strand Larsen would be a huge blow
The possibility of Strand Larsen leaving so soon after his permanent move would be a bitter pill for Wolves to swallow. The club already faces the daunting challenge of replacing last season’s top scorer, Matheus Cunha, who departed earlier in the summer. On top of that, other important contributors such as Gonçalo Guedes and Rayan Aït-Nouri are no longer part of Pereira’s immediate plans.
Strand Larsen has quickly become central to Wolves’ attacking setup, offering both a physical presence up front and the ability to link play with teammates. To lose him now, particularly without a ready-made replacement, would leave a massive void and potentially push Wolves further into the relegation conversation.
Selling him would only make sense if the club had a replacement lined up — and even then, there are no guarantees that a new signing would adapt to the Premier League as effectively as the Norwegian has. For a squad already light on goals, taking such a risk could prove disastrous.
Newcastle’s interest adds to the uncertainty
For Newcastle, the pursuit of another striker highlights their determination to add depth and competition to their forward line. Eddie Howe is believed to want extra firepower to support Alexander Isak, whose future remains clouded in uncertainty amid speculation of a move to Liverpool. While Yoane Wissa is thought to be the top target, Strand Larsen has emerged as an appealing alternative given his Premier League experience and availability.
The clock is ticking, however. With just days remaining before the window slams shut, Wolves will need to resist pressure from Newcastle if they want to keep hold of their man. Pereira’s comments suggest he expects Strand Larsen to remain professional and committed in the meantime, but he also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the transfer market.
A tense few days ahead
For Wolves supporters, the next week could be decisive. Strand Larsen staying would offer much-needed stability in attack, while his departure without a suitable replacement could deal a catastrophic blow to the club’s hopes of surviving in the Premier League this season.
As Pereira himself admitted, anything can happen when the window is open. But Wolves fans will be hoping that the Norwegian striker remains focused on delivering goals at Molineux, rather than being lured away to Tyneside.