In another reality, Jorgen Strand Larsen might have been preparing to wear the black and white stripes of Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup this week. Instead, the Norwegian forward finds himself battling to keep Wolves afloat at the bottom of the Premier League a far cry from what could have been had his summer transfer to St James’ Park materialised.
Newcastle made the 25-year-old one of their top transfer priorities during the summer, with Eddie Howe’s recruitment team making several attempts to bring him to Tyneside.
The club viewed him as a powerful, technically gifted striker who could complement their attacking system and provide a strong alternative to Alexander Isak. Reports indicated that Strand Larsen was also keen on the move, seeing it as a major step forward in his career and a chance to play European football.
However, despite Newcastle’s persistence, every offer was rejected, with Wolves unwilling to part ways with their star forward. Even a bid of £55 million wasn’t enough to convince the Midlands club to sell.
Since that failed transfer, things have gone from bad to worse for both Wolves and Strand Larsen. The team has endured a disastrous start to the 2025/26 campaign, managing just two points so far and finding themselves rooted to the bottom of the league table.
Sunday’s home defeat to Burnley was the latest blow a heartbreaking 3-2 loss sealed by a 95th-minute winner from Lyle Foster. The result was met with frustration and disbelief from supporters, leaving the atmosphere around Molineux tense and deflated.
In the aftermath, Strand Larsen took to social media to issue a heartfelt message to Wolves fans, acknowledging both his own shortcomings and the team’s poor form.
“A sad day for everyone who loves Wolves,” he wrote on X. “We understand the frustration and the disbelief after the game, but we still want to thank all of you for showing up and backing the team as much as you can.
We need to do better, starting with each player looking themselves in the mirror to improve. Definitely me, as I’m always the first one to look at myself for improvement. I love this club and I haven’t shown enough this season so far, as I also have been pushing through an injury.
Wolves never give up, and now it’s time to reset and keep on going. There’s still so much to play for and no time to feel down.”
His message struck a chord with supporters, many of whom praised his honesty and passion. It’s clear that Strand Larsen is determined to turn things around, even if the campaign has been far from what he envisioned.
Having scored his first league goal of the season against Burnley, the Norwegian will be desperate to build on that and help his team climb away from danger.
Still, comparisons with Newcastle’s attacking options are inevitable. The Magpies, who pursued him so aggressively in the summer, have found success with their own new-look frontline.
Nick Woltemade, the German forward who arrived for a club-record fee, has already scored five goals in all competitions and looks every bit the commanding presence Eddie Howe wanted to add.
Meanwhile, young striker Will Osula has impressed in his breakthrough campaign, contributing both goals and assists, including a vital role in the recent win over Fulham.
In contrast, Strand Larsen’s numbers tell a more modest story. Across nine appearances, he has found the net three times but has yet to register an assist.
For a player who was tipped to make a major step forward this season, those figures underline his struggles in a team that has failed to find rhythm or confidence.
Even Yoane Wissa, another Newcastle forward, might have offered competition had he not suffered a knee injury soon after his arrival. The Cameroonian has yet to feature, leaving Woltemade and Osula to shoulder most of the attacking burden.
Still, their performances highlight how Newcastle’s recruitment strategy has started to bear fruit, while Wolves’ decision to hold on to Strand Larsen seems less rewarding by the week.
For the Norwegian, the immediate focus must be on rediscovering his form and confidence. His physicality, aerial strength, and work rate remain valuable assets, but without results, frustration can quickly build both personally and within the dressing room.
Yet, his statement showed maturity and a willingness to lead by example, qualities that Wolves will need if they are to climb out of trouble.
As for Newcastle, they will likely look back on the summer saga with few regrets. The club have moved forward, finding balance and efficiency in attack, while Strand Larsen continues to fight his own battle in gold and black.
Football often turns on such fine margins one transfer that didn’t happen might have changed everything. But for now, the paths of Newcastle United and Jorgen Strand Larsen remain separate, and their fortunes could hardly feel more different.
