Striker left out of squad after £55m Newcastle United bid – set for St James’ Park visit

The final days of the summer transfer window often feel like a dramatic sporting event of their own, full of suspense, negotiation, and unexpected turns.

For Newcastle United, one of the most compelling storylines has been their determined pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen.

The latest developments suggest this transfer saga is far from over, with the player himself now at the center of growing speculation about his future.

It all began when Newcastle submitted a substantial bid of £55 million for the Norwegian international, a offer that was promptly rejected by Wolves.

What makes this situation particularly interesting is that Strand Larsen only recently made his move to Molineux permanent, with Wolves paying Celta Vigo £23 million to secure his services after an impressive loan spell last season.

During that time, he scored 14 Premier League goals, showcasing the kind of form that has clearly attracted Newcastle’s attention.

The player’s own stance has added fuel to the fire. It is understood that Strand Larsen is very keen on the move to St. James’ Park, seeing it as a major step forward in his career.

This personal interest has kept the possibility of a transfer alive, even after the initial rejection. Wolves manager Vítor Pereira addressed the situation during a recent press conference, acknowledging the speculation while attempting to downplay its impact on the team.

He confirmed that Strand Larsen was dealing with a “small injury problem” but emphasized that the striker remained an important part of his plans and was expected to act professionally throughout the process.

Pereira’s comments were telling. While he insisted that the club had no intention of selling, he also admitted that certain decisions were beyond his control, hinting that the final word would come from the club’s hierarchy.

This has left the door slightly ajar for Newcastle to return with an improved offer, and sources suggest that a third bid has not been ruled out.

The timing of this saga has created an intriguing subplot for the upcoming match between Newcastle and Wolves on September 13. Strand Larsen is expected to be fit for that game, meaning he could potentially be lining up at St. James’ Park regardless of which shirt he is wearing.

For Newcastle fans, it will be a chance to see their potential new signing up close. For Wolves supporters, it will be an opportunity to show the striker what he would be leaving behind.

What makes this pursuit so fascinating is that it continues even after Newcastle secured the signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.

Initially, it was assumed that deal would end their interest in other strikers, but the club appears to be determined to add more than one new forward before the window closes.

This ambition reflects the need for depth and quality, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future.

As the deadline draws closer, all eyes will be on whether Newcastle decide to test Wolves’ resolve one more time. The player’s willingness to join, combined with the club’s financial power, makes this a deal that could still happen.

For now, everyone involved is playing a waiting game, but the coming days promise plenty of drama. One thing is certain: the story of Jørgen Strand Larsen and Newcastle United is not over yet.