'Nuisance' - Leeds United fans will love what Alan Shearer said on Jorgen Strand Larsen as transfer bid lodged
The Leeds United transfer target was praised by a Premier League legend last season.
Leeds United transfer target Jorgen Strand Larsen caught the eye of an all-time Premier League legend during last season’s impressive Wolves goalscoring run.
Strand Larsen is firmly on the radar of Elland Road recruitment chiefs, with the YEP reporting earlier this month an enquiry had been made to Wolves. Leeds were seemingly encouraged enough by that contact to progress their interest, with a formal offer lodged this week as first reported by the Telegraph.
The YEP understands that while Molineux chiefs have not immediately accepted that offer, Leeds remain in active talks over a January move for Strand Larsen. Premier League competition and Wolves’ financial demands - they reportedly want £40million - remain obvious caveats but continued discussions suggest a deal could still be done.
Strand Larsen has endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign so far as part of a woeful Wolves side, but the Norwegian’s quality was clear last season when he scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League games. And after a late winner at Ipswich Town in April last year, the Leeds target was praised by all-time Premier League top-scorer Alan Shearer.
"The question was how were they going to get on for the four games without their best player [Matheus] Cunha. I actually think they've looked a better team,” Shearer told Match of the Day. "[Strand Larsen] has got 11 goals this season, four in his past three games.
“Wolves have won three games and drawn one. So that tells you the answer about what are they going to do without their best player. He was a nuisance. His hold-up play was excellent and I thought his touch and his control were superb.
"Wolves didn't play that well in the first half, but they certainly improved in the second. When you've got a guy who's 6'4, you have to get balls into the box, and they certainly did that in the second half."
Alan Shearer describes exactly what Leeds United want from Jorgen Strand Larsen
Leeds evidently believe they can get Strand Larsen back in top form and based on Shearer’s praise, the Norwegian’s profile would be perfect to lead the line. Daniel Farke’s squad have benefitted massively from the ‘nuisance’ factor Dominic Calvert-Lewin provides.
And with Leeds taking a more direct approach to attacks, Strand Larsen could benefit further with set-pieces and long throw-ins quickly becoming a staple at Elland Road. Wolves haven’t used quite the same tactics this season which could point to a reason why the Norwegian has struggled for goals.
Elland Road chiefs will first need to reach an agreement with Wolves, however, which is by no means a foregone conclusion. Leeds are believed to be right up against it in PSR terms, making it incredibly difficult to meet Wolves’ reported £40m valuation, while better offers could arrive from elsewhere.
Crystal Palace have been credited with interest amid uncertainty over their own striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has reportedly requested to leave Selhurst Park this month. Nottingham Forest have also been linked, although they are now closing in on a loan move for Napoli’s Lorenzo Lucca.