Journalist reveals Leeds final offer whilst Crystal Palace prepare £45m Wolves striker bid

Leeds Hold Firm as Strand Larsen Saga Nears Defining Moment

Leeds United remain firmly in the mix for Jorgen Strand Larsen, even as Crystal Palace appear to be edging closer to an agreement with Wolves. This is shaping up as a test of resolve, valuation and nerve.

The story first gathered pace when TEAMtalk revealed that Leeds had been offered the chance to sign the Wolves striker in mid January. Intermediaries made it clear that the 25 year old Norway international would be open to a move to Elland Road. Since then, interest has intensified and competition has sharpened.

Wolves Stance and Palace Pressure

Leeds have already seen a £39m offer rejected, with Wolves holding out for more. Crystal Palace have been aggressive, identifying Strand Larsen as a potential replacement for Jean Philippe Mateta and pushing talks forward. According to Sky Sports, Palace have been working towards a deal worth £45m plus £5m in add ons, with broad agreement in place.

Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth added a layer of intrigue. Strand Larsen was introduced in the 70th minute and, at full time, his actions caught attention. Sky Sports journalist William Bitibiri observed that the striker “appeared to say goodbye to Molineux”, adding, “Jorgen Strand Larsen could be seen applauding the Wolves fans after the full-time whistle on what could be his final appearance at Molineux.”

That image has lingered. Players rarely indulge in farewell gestures without reason and it has fuelled speculation that a move is imminent.

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Leeds Valuation Line in Sand

Despite Palace momentum, Leeds are not stepping aside. Sky Sports News journalists Kaveh Solhekol and James Savundra have reported that although Leeds “remain interested in Strand Larsen”, Daniel Farke’s side “will not pay more than £40m (€46.2m, $54.7m) for the striker.”

That figure matters. It speaks to Leeds’ broader strategy, ambitious but disciplined. The club want a striker capable of elevating them, but not at any price. For Wolves, it creates a dilemma, accept slightly less now or risk dragging negotiations into the final hours.

Farke’s stance is pragmatic. Leeds believe Strand Larsen fits their profile, physical, mobile, Premier League ready, but there is also recognition that value can quickly tip into excess.

Edwards Offers Little Clarity

Wolves manager Rob Edwards was asked directly about the striker’s future after the Bournemouth match and offered little certainty. “We will see. As I said, I don’t have a crystal ball now, I don’t know,” he told BBC Sport. “Some of those things will be out of my control. I will be involved in that process, of course, we will see what happens.”

It was a response heavy on ambiguity, light on reassurance. Wolves are clearly open to a sale if their valuation is met and Strand Larsen’s own openness to a move only sharpens the sense of inevitability.

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Window Dynamics and Final Decisions

As the window narrows, Leeds’ position is clear. They want the player, but they want him on their terms. Palace may yet push beyond Leeds’ ceiling, but the door remains open if Wolves soften.

This is less about brinkmanship and more about principle. Leeds have waited patiently, resisted panic, and now face a decision that could shape the rest of their season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Leeds supporters, this report inspires mixed emotions. There is excitement at the idea of landing a striker with Strand Larsen’s profile, someone proven at Premier League level who could immediately improve the side. At the same time, there is relief that the club appear unwilling to be dragged into an inflated bidding war.

Fans remember too many past windows where urgency overruled judgement. Hearing that Leeds “will not pay more than £40m” feels like progress, a sign of maturity rather than lack of ambition. If Palace go higher and win the race, many supporters would be disappointed, but not furious.

The farewell gesture at Molineux hints that Strand Larsen expects to move. Ideally, that move would be to Elland Road. Yet supporters also understand that recruitment is about balance. One signing does not define a project. If Leeds walk away, they expect alternatives to be ready. This saga, more than anything, shows a club learning to say no.