Contact made: Newcastle now offered different Scandinavian star instead of Larsen
Newcastle United handed fresh opportunity in striker hunt as Strand Larsen pursuit stalls
Newcastle United’s desperate search for attacking reinforcements has taken another twist, with reports suggesting the club have now been offered the chance to sign a new Scandinavian star after Wolverhampton Wanderers rejected their opening approach for Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Magpies’ striker search continues to frustrate
From the moment the summer transfer window opened, strengthening the forward line has been a top priority at St James’ Park. However, despite extensive efforts, the Magpies have endured a series of setbacks. Early pursuits of Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo both ended in disappointment, with Chelsea and Manchester United swooping in to secure the players’ commitments.
Further frustration followed when Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko also rejected Newcastle’s advances, preferring moves to Liverpool and Manchester United, respectively. These repeated near misses have left Eddie Howe and the recruitment team scrambling for alternatives as the transfer deadline looms ever closer.
Adding to the complications, Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, another player admired by Newcastle, is now back in training with the Bees after actively pushing for a move away. Despite his desire to leave, no club has yet tabled an offer that matches Brentford’s valuation, leaving Newcastle with little room to manoeuvre.
Wolves stand firm on Strand Larsen
In recent weeks, the Magpies had shifted their focus towards Jorgen Strand Larsen, who enjoyed a standout debut Premier League campaign last season. The Norwegian striker netted 14 league goals and quickly established himself as one of Wolves’ most consistent attacking outlets.
Newcastle submitted an opening bid believed to be in the region of £50 million, but Wolves have swiftly turned down the offer, insisting on a higher fee for their prized asset. While Newcastle are expected to return with an improved proposal, the clock is ticking, and doubts remain over whether they are prepared to meet Wolves’ valuation in full.
Despite the uncertainty, Strand Larsen still fits the mould of what Howe is looking for: a physically dominant centre-forward with proven Premier League pedigree and room for further development. Yet with negotiations dragging on, the Magpies have had little choice but to explore other options.
Newcastle offered chance to sign Conrad Harder
According to transfer specialist Graeme Bailey of The Boot Room, intermediaries have now approached Newcastle to offer them the chance to sign Conrad Harder from Sporting CP.
The 20-year-old forward has attracted plenty of attention across Europe and is also firmly on AC Milan’s radar, with the Italian giants reportedly working on a move after their pursuit of Victor Boniface collapsed. However, Newcastle’s name has now been thrown into the mix, with insiders suggesting the club has previously scouted Harder and remain admirers of his talent.
Bailey explained: “Intermediaries have made contact with Newcastle to inform them of Harder’s availability. We understand that Harder is a player the Magpies have tracked before, and with Newcastle targeting two new strikers before the window closes, he’s firmly on their list of options.”
Dubbed a “complete forward” by respected scout Jacek Kulig, Harder’s profile is an enticing one. Tall, mobile, technically strong, and capable of linking play, the Danish striker is regarded as one of the brightest attacking prospects to emerge in Portuguese football in recent years. After a breakout campaign with Sporting, he has been valued at around £20 million—well below his official £69 million release clause. That figure could represent outstanding value for money for Newcastle, who are still operating under the constraints of Financial Fair Play.
Decision time at St James’ Park
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Newcastle find themselves at a crossroads. They can either push forward with a potentially costly pursuit of Strand Larsen, or pivot to alternative options such as Harder, whose lower valuation makes him a more realistic short-term target.
One thing is certain: Newcastle must act quickly. With Alexander Isak’s future uncertain and Callum Wilson already out the door, the Magpies cannot afford to enter the new season without significant reinforcements up front. Whether Strand Larsen or Harder eventually arrives, the next few days could prove pivotal in shaping Newcastle’s ambitions for the campaign ahead.