Jørgen Strand Larsen has spoken openly about the failed transfer saga that nearly saw him swap Wolverhampton Wanderers for Newcastle United. The Norwegian forward confirmed Wolves rejected two late-window bids worth £50m and £55m from the Magpies, leaving him to continue under Vítor Pereira’s guidance at Molineux.
“Everyone has a dream” – Jørgen Strand Larsen on Wolves blocking Newcastle United transfer, still sounds tempted — captures both the ambition and frustration underpinning his words. While he admits the lure of Champions League football made him consider the move, he also acknowledged Wolves’ faith in him after being handed the captain’s armband and rewarded with a new contract until 2030.
“Everyone has a dream” – Jørgen Strand Larsen on Wolves blocking Newcastle United transfer
Speaking to VG in Norway, Strand Larsen explained: “Of course you are a little affected, everyone has a dream of taking new steps. At the same time, I feel very safe and good here at Wolves. I got the captain’s armband today, and I feel that I am important to the team.”
He admitted the chance to join Newcastle was appealing: “Everyone wants to take new steps; it was a Champions League club we were talking about. But it will come again, and it will continue. The important thing is that the club showed confidence in me afterwards, and we solved that in a good way.”
“Everyone wants to take new steps; it was a Champions League club we were talking about. But it will come again, and it will continue.” — Jørgen Strand Larsen, VG
Wolves reward their striker
The 25-year-old originally joined Wolves on loan from Celta Vigo in 2024 before making the deal permanent earlier this year. Despite his clear interest in moving on, the club offered him a bumper new contract running to 2030 with an option for an extra year.
On that decision, he added: “Yes, it was good. That says something about the season from last year being rewarded with something positive.”
Strand Larsen’s honesty reveals a player torn between loyalty to Wolves and his ambition to play at the highest level. His performances this season suggest he is still working to find form, but the underlying desire to test himself in Europe’s elite competition remains.
Jørgen Strand Larsen 2025/26 stats so far
| Stat (2025/26) | Jørgen Strand Larsen |
|---|---|
| Premier League appearances | 4 |
| Premier League goals | 0 |
| Premier League xG per game | 0.60 |
| EFL Cup appearances | 2 |
| EFL Cup goals | 2 |
source: sofascore match data – 29 September 2025
The statistics underline his mixed start. While his cup record shows promise, he has yet to find the net in the league despite strong underlying numbers.
Analyst verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Strand Larsen’s words are a warning sign for Wolves. “This is classic of a striker entering his prime. He’s ambitious, wants Champions League football, and Newcastle’s interest proved that he is valued at the top level. Wolves tied him down, but his comments suggest the story isn’t over.”
He added: “The next 12 months are crucial. If he delivers in the Premier League, the temptation of another bid in 2026 will grow. Wolves must convince him that his ambitions can be met at Molineux, or risk losing him when the timing is right.”
Key insights
- Newcastle United failed with £50m and £55m bids for Strand Larsen in August.
- The striker admits he was tempted, calling Newcastle “a Champions League club.”
- Wolves rewarded him with the captaincy and a contract until 2030.
- Has scored 2 goals in the EFL Cup but is still goalless in the Premier League.
- His comments suggest he remains open to a future move.
What’s next for Strand Larsen and Wolves?
Wolves remain winless in the Premier League after five rounds, increasing pressure on Pereira to find the right balance in attack. Strand Larsen will be expected to shoulder responsibility as captain and prove he can convert chances consistently.
For Newcastle, the door may not be closed. Their summer pursuit showed genuine intent, and if Wolves cannot match the Norwegian’s ambition, another approach in 2026 could be on the cards.
👉 Do you think Wolves can keep Jørgen Strand Larsen happy long-term, or will he eventually push for a Champions League move?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 30 Sep 2025 18:56
Not a Wolves fan, but they'll get it back on track I mean its oke to dream, but why would you say something like this just after the market closed, signed a new contract and things aren't going well atm with Wolves?
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