Report: ‘Excellent’ striker is now keen to join Newcastle amid Yoane Wissa chaos
The striker situation at Newcastle United has become increasingly complex, with the club now exploring multiple options to strengthen their frontline before the transfer window closes.
While Yoane Wissa remains a primary target, Brentford’s £60 million valuation has stalled negotiations, prompting the Magpies to consider alternative solutions – including Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jørgen Strand Larsen, who has reportedly expressed interest in joining the Tyneside club.
The Norwegian international, who impressed during his debut Premier League season with 14 goals for Wolves, represents a different profile to Wissa but one that could suit Eddie Howe’s system.
Strand Larsen’s physical presence and hold-up play earned praise from Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, who described his performances as “excellent” during a Match of the Day analysis last April.
At 25 years old and available for roughly half of Wissa’s asking price, the Wolves striker offers an intriguing alternative as Newcastle navigate their challenging recruitment landscape.
Comparing Newcastle’s Striker Targets
| Player | Club | Age | 2024/25 Goals | Strengths | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoane Wissa | Brentford | 28 | 20 | Clinical finishing, versatility | £60m |
| Jørgen Strand Larsen | Wolves | 25 | 14 | Aerial dominance, link-up play | £30-35m |
| Alexander Isak | Newcastle | 24 | 25 | World-class movement, finishing | N/A (Liverpool target) |
Newcastle’s need for attacking reinforcements became painfully apparent during their season-opening 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, where they failed to capitalize on their dominance against ten men.
With Isak’s future uncertain and Wissa’s transfer hitting financial roadblocks, Strand Larsen’s emergence as a viable target provides the recruitment team with much-needed flexibility.
The Athletic reports that Strand Larsen is keen on the move to St James’ Park, though formal discussions between the clubs have yet to commence.
His £23 million permanent signing by Wolves this summer complicates matters, but Newcastle’s Champions League status and ambitious project could tempt the Midlands club to consider a quick profit.
Unlike Wissa, who has aggressively pushed for his Newcastle move by removing Brentford references from his social media, Strand Larsen’s interest appears more measured but no less genuine.
Howe faces a delicate balancing act in resolving this situation. Strand Larsen’s physicality and aerial ability would offer a different dimension to Newcastle’s attack, complementing the pace of Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga.
However, his slightly inferior goal return compared to Wissa raises questions about whether he alone could fill the potential void left by Isak.
This dilemma may force Newcastle to pursue both strikers if finances allow, creating healthy competition while future-proofing their attack.
The coming days will prove critical in determining Newcastle’s approach. With the September 1 deadline looming, the club must decide whether to meet Brentford’s demands for Wissa, pivot to Strand Larsen at a more reasonable price, or attempt the ambitious double signing that would allow them to sanction Isak’s departure to Liverpool.
What remains clear is that Newcastle cannot afford to begin the season without reinforcing their frontline. Whether it’s Wissa’s proven Premier League pedigree, Strand Larsen’s untapped potential, or an unexpected alternative, Eddie Howe needs a solution that maintains the club’s upward trajectory while navigating the financial realities of the post-takeover era.
The resolution of this complex situation will shape Newcastle’s season and potentially define their ability to challenge on multiple fronts once again.