Crystal Palace signs striker from Wolves

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a club-record deal worth up to £48 million. 

The Norway international has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at Selhurst Park and will wear the number 22 shirt.

The 25-year-old becomes Palace’s marquee addition of the January window, with the club initially moving for a new forward amid strong interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta from AC Milan. 

That proposed £30m deal collapsed after the French striker underwent medical checks related to a knee issue, meaning Mateta will now remain in south London.

Despite Mateta staying put, Palace pressed ahead with their pursuit of Strand Larsen, whom they see as a long-term attacking option. 

Chairman Steve Parish said the club were “delighted” to secure the forward and expressed confidence that he would become a key figure for years to come.

Strand Larsen’s season at Wolves has been difficult, with just one Premier League goal in 22 appearances for a side currently bottom of the table and adrift in the relegation battle. 

However, Palace are hopeful he can rediscover the form that saw him score 14 goals in 35 games last season following his permanent move from Celta Vigo.

Speaking after completing the transfer, Strand Larsen said he was “really excited” to join Palace and described the move as something he had wanted for a long time. 

He added that his aim was to bring “energy and goals” to the team and help the club push forward.

Alongside the striker’s arrival, Palace have also agreed a loan deal for Everton winger Dwight McNeil, which includes an obligation to buy for £20m at the end of the season. 

Strand Larsen could make his Palace debut on Sunday when the Eagles face Brighton in the Premier League as they seek to regain momentum in their Premier League campaign.