Crystal Palace have communicated their intention to abandon a £50m deal for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen despite reaching agreement in principle. The collapse could significantly impact Jean-Philippe Mateta’s anticipated departure from Selhurst Park before Monday’s transfer deadline. According to Bbc.com.
Palace’s £50m Strand Larsen deal collapses as Mateta exit hangs in balance
The two Premier League clubs had agreed terms for 25-year-old Strand Larsen’s move to Selhurst Park, subject to Palace submitting a formal written offer. However, that offer was expected to arrive on Thursday but has not materialised, with sources indicating Wolves have been informed Palace no longer wish to proceed.
It remains unclear whether Palace’s withdrawal represents a genuine abandonment of the deal or a negotiating tactic aimed at securing a reduced fee for the Norway forward. The £50m valuation reflected Strand Larsen’s impressive debut Premier League campaign, during which he scored 14 goals for Wolves.
The collapsed Strand Larsen transfer could directly impact Jean-Philippe Mateta’s anticipated exit from Palace before Monday’s deadline. The 28-year-old France forward has informed Palace of his desire to leave this month, with the club increasingly receptive to sanctioning his departure.
Nottingham Forest have already seen a £35m offer rejected by Palace and are preparing to accelerate their pursuit of Mateta in the coming days. Juventus and AC Milan are among other clubs to have shown concrete interest in the striker, who is understood to prefer Champions League football but remains open to a City Ground move.
Palace are determined to secure a replacement before allowing Mateta to depart and are set to sign versatile attacker Evann Guessand on loan from Aston Villa. However, uncertainty remains over whether the Eagles require a recognised centre-forward before sanctioning Mateta’s exit, with the Strand Larsen deal’s collapse potentially complicating their transfer strategy.
