Palace Weigh Up £50m Strand Larsen Gamble as Transfer Plans Hang in the Balance

Crystal Palace’s ambitious £50m move for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has been thrown into serious doubt, leaving the Eagles’ wider transfer strategy delicately poised as the deadline looms.

What initially looked like a decisive statement of intent from Palace has instead turned into one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the window. With negotiations stalling, alternative targets emerging, and Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future hanging in the balance, Selhurst Park finds itself at a critical crossroads.

Palace’s £50m Strand Larsen Deal Suddenly Stalls

Just days ago, Palace and Wolves appeared to be aligned. An agreement in principle had been reached for the transfer of Strand Larsen, with the Norway international viewed as a long-term solution to Palace’s need for a physically dominant, Premier League-ready centre-forward.

The structure of the deal was clear. Wolves were waiting for Palace to submit a formal written offer, one they were prepared to accept without further delay. That offer was expected on Thursday. It never arrived.

Instead, sources close to the negotiations suggest Wolves have now been informed that Palace are no longer prepared to proceed with the deal as initially discussed. While no official explanation has been offered, the sudden change of stance has raised eyebrows across the league.

Whether this is a calculated negotiating tactic or a genuine withdrawal remains unclear. Palace may be attempting to apply pressure in the hope of shaving several million pounds off the fee, but such manoeuvres always carry risk—particularly when rival clubs are watching closely.

Why Palace Are Hesitant on Strand Larsen

From Palace’s perspective, the hesitation is understandable. £50m is a significant outlay for a club that prides itself on sustainability and value-driven recruitment. While Strand Larsen impressed at Wolves with his hold-up play, aerial presence and work rate, there are internal questions over whether he represents a guaranteed upgrade at that price point.

The Eagles’ recruitment team is also mindful of timing. With just days remaining in the window, committing such a large sum limits flexibility elsewhere in the squad. Palace have multiple priorities, and the knock-on effects of this deal—or its collapse—extend far beyond one player.

That uncertainty is now shaping every other major decision the club must make.

Strand Larsen Uncertainty Complicates Mateta Exit Plans

The biggest consequence of the stalled Palace £50m Strand Larsen deal concerns Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The 28-year-old French striker has made it clear to Palace that he wants to leave before Monday’s transfer deadline. While the club had initially been reluctant to sanction his departure, their stance has softened in recent days—on one crucial condition: a suitable replacement must be secured first.

If Strand Larsen had arrived, Mateta’s exit would almost certainly have followed swiftly. Without that deal, Palace are now caught in limbo.

Nottingham Forest, Juventus and Milan Circle Mateta

Interest in Mateta is not in short supply. Nottingham Forest have already had a £35m bid rejected, but are expected to return with an improved offer as they intensify efforts to bolster their attacking options.

Beyond the Premier League, Juventus and AC Milan are monitoring the situation closely. Both Serie A giants see Mateta as a physically imposing forward who could add depth and a different dimension to their squads, particularly in European competition.

Mateta’s preference is understood to be Champions League football, a factor that plays into the hands of the Italian clubs. However, the striker is also believed to be open to a move to the City Ground if Forest can present a compelling sporting project.

Palace’s Dilemma: Timing vs Ambition

For Palace, the situation is delicate. Allowing Mateta to leave without securing a recognised replacement would leave Oliver Glasner short of proven firepower for the second half of the season. Yet holding on to an unhappy player is rarely productive.

The collapse—or delay—of the £50m Strand Larsen move has therefore forced Palace to explore alternative options at pace.

Evann Guessand Loan Offers Short-Term Cover

One such option is Evann Guessand, with Palace set to sign the versatile attacker on loan from Aston Villa. Guessand offers flexibility across the front line and fits Palace’s desire for energetic, mobile attackers.

However, he is not a like-for-like replacement for Mateta, nor does he bring the same physical presence that Strand Larsen would have offered. This raises an important question: are Palace prepared to let Mateta leave without signing a traditional centre-forward?

The answer remains unclear, even internally.

Is Strand Larsen Still on the Table?

Despite reports that Palace have communicated their intention to walk away, Wolves are not entirely convinced the saga is over. There is a growing belief at Molineux that this may be a negotiating pause, rather than a full collapse.

If Palace return with a revised offer—perhaps closer to £40–45m—the deal could yet be revived. Wolves, while reluctant to sell cheaply, are aware that holding on to an unsettled player carries its own risks.

For now, though, the ball is firmly in Palace’s court.

Wider Premier League Context Adds Pressure

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest’s £20m bid for Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari—expected to be rejected—highlights how active the market remains. Clubs are still willing to spend, and Palace know that waiting too long could see their preferred targets snapped up.

That reality adds urgency to every decision.

A Defining Few Days for Palace

As the clock ticks down, Crystal Palace face a defining few days. The outcome of the £50m Strand Larsen pursuit will shape not only their attack but the direction of their entire season.

Do they push forward with a record-breaking signing? Do they cash in on Mateta and trust a more fluid forward line? Or do they attempt to ride out the window with minimal disruption?

One thing is certain: whatever happens next, Palace’s transfer window will be remembered not just for who arrived or departed—but for the fine margins and high-stakes choices made when it mattered most.