Sports
Jorgen Strand Larsen stance on joining West Ham in January revealed
West Ham have been handed encouragement in their January pursuit of a striker, with chairman David Sullivan also ready to give him a salary increase to tempt him to London.
West Ham scour for new centre-forward ahead of January
West Ham’s desperate search for a striker to drag them clear of the relegation zone is intensifying, with manager Nuno Espírito Santo prioritising attacking reinforcements as the January window approaches.
The club’s urgency has been sharpened by Niclas Fullkrug’s impending departure, with AC Milan now set to sign the Germany international on loan after he made clear his desire to leave the London Stadium in search of regular football.
Fullkrug arrived for £27.5m just 18 months ago but has failed to make any meaningful impact, leaving West Ham scrambling to identify suitable replacements who can provide the goals desperately needed for their survival battle.
Kaio Jorge has emerged as a potential target, with reports suggesting West Ham could make a £22 million bid for the player who has impressed in the Brazilian Serie A.
The 23-year-old would provide youth and resale value, though questions remain about whether he possesses the physicality and experience to make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
West Ham also reportedly have renewed interest in Championship options, including Norwich City’s Josh Sargent and Coventry City’s Haji Wright.
Sargent is apparently valued at around £17.5m and fits the profile of a physical presence with proven domestic pedigree, but his average seven-goal return this season raises concerns about his current form and effectiveness.
Forward ‘expected to complete’ West Ham move as Nuno beats Wolves to top target
He’s believed to be closing in on an east London move.
Then, there is Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The reliable David Ornstein says West Ham have enquired about the Norwegian heading into January, with Hammers News now sharing another update this morning.
Jorgen Strand Larsen ‘open’ to joining West Ham next month
According to their information, The Old Gold are poised to demand around £45 million to sell their centre-forward after West Ham’s contact.
What’s more, Strand Larsen is apparently open to joining West Ham in January, and Sullivan could sway him to the London Stadium with a ‘pay hike’ to further entice him.
The 25-year-old has interest from other suitors as well, so it isn’t exactly a one-horse race, but West Ham appear to be making the most ground right now.
Strand Larsen’s form this campaign has been desperately poor, with the Norway international managing just one Premier League goal from 15 appearances after netting from the penalty spot.
He’s scored three times across all competitions in total, including two strikes against West Ham in the EFL Cup earlier this season.
The dramatic decline represents a stark contrast to his impressive debut campaign at Molineux, where he registered 14 goals and four assists in 35 Premier League matches, establishing himself as Wolves’ leading scorer and attracting significant interest from top-flight rivals.
Standing at 6 foot 4, Strand Larsen offers the physical presence and Premier League experience that’s been missing from their recent striker signings.
Alan Shearer has called him a ‘nuisance’ of a striker, and Newcastle were believed to be chasing Strand Larsen before ultimately signing Nick Woltemade instead.
West Ham in pole position to re-sign former star after holding talks with him
They could bring him back to Rush Green.
