Wolves boss Pereira on Strand Larsen transfer battle: “Every player has a price”

Wolves manager Vítor Pereira has spoken out on striker Jørgen Strand Larsen’s future after rejecting a £50m bid from Newcastle United.

“Until now, Strand Larsen is our player. Also I understand football, every player has a price,” Pereira said after Wolves’ Carabao Cup win over West Ham. “He will never force a move, but of course we know football is football. We must be ready for everything.”

The Norwegian striker, signed for around £25m last year, has quickly become Wolves’ main attacking outlet. With less than a week left in the transfer window, the Midlands club are braced for a fresh Newcastle offer, which is expected to be closer to the £55–60m valuation Wolves have privately set.

Wolves have little depth behind Larsen, with Hwang Hee-Chan their only senior striking alternative. Losing their No.9 this late in the window would leave Pereira short of options, and replacements would be near impossible to secure.

Given Newcastle’s desperation for another centre-forward alongside Alexander Isak, Wolves are confident they can drive the fee upwards — especially after Larsen’s game-changing cameo last night.

Larsen came off the bench in the 73rd minute against West Ham on Tuesday night and turned the tie on its head.

His quick-fire brace secured Wolves’ first win of the season and underlined why Pereira is so reluctant to lose him.

FootballPlace analyst John William says Wolves’ stance is understandable:

“Larsen is indispensable for Wolves — they simply cannot sell him unless Newcastle make an offer that’s impossible to refuse. Pereira is being realistic: he knows players move on, but timing is everything. With no replacement lined up, Wolves will hold firm unless Newcastle hit that £60m mark.”

William added: “For Newcastle, this is about squad balance. They need another reliable No.9 to complement or replace Isak. Larsen has shown he can deliver in the Premier League — and that’s why this deal is proving so difficult to unlock.”

Newcastle are preparing a second offer and may structure it with add-ons to reach Wolves’ valuation. Wolves remain reluctant sellers but are aware that late-window pressure could yet force movement.

For Pereira, the focus is on keeping Larsen sharp for the weekend’s Premier League action. But with the striker’s stock rising after his West Ham heroics, the battle for his future looks set to run until deadline day.

Should Wolves cash in at £60m — or hold firm and build their attack around Strand Larsen?