Crystal Palace have signed striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a club-record package worth up to £48m, although a late loan move for Everton winger Dwight McNeil collapsed at the deadline.
Palace will pay a £43m guaranteed fee for Strand Larsen, with a further £5m in potential add-ons. The Norwegian leaves Wolves after 18 months. He scored 14 Premier League goals last season as Wolves preserved their top-flight status under Vitor Pereira, but has managed only one goal so far this campaign. The transfer marks Palace’s second record-breaking fee this window, following the acquisition of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham.
The Strand Larsen deal went through despite Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed transfer to AC Milan falling apart on deadline day after additional medical checks. As a result Mateta remains a Crystal Palace player and will rejoin the squad at Selhurst Park alongside the new striker.
Palace had a loan agreement accepted by Everton for Dwight McNeil that included an obligation to buy for £20m next summer if certain conditions were met. However, Sky Sports News reports that the necessary paperwork was not submitted before the window closed, so the move could not be completed.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher backed the signing, saying Strand Larsen is a quality player who attracted plenty of interest. Carragher noted that last season’s non-penalty goal return was impressive and suggested Strand Larsen is the kind of striker who can perform for a mid-table side. He added that Mateta may well find himself on the bench initially, given Palace’s usual tactical setup that rarely uses two central forwards together, preferring creative attacking midfielders. Carragher also praised Mateta’s hold-up play while acknowledging he can miss big chances.
Sky Sports News reporter James Savundra said Mateta had been seeking a new challenge but will now focus on reintegrating into the Palace squad after AC Milan opted not to proceed following medical assessments. Savundra added that Mateta wanted recognition for his recent form — only Erling Haaland has scored more among comparable players at Palace over the past two seasons — and that there are no ongoing contract talks; he has about 18 months remaining on his deal.
Palace supporters will now await how manager tactics adapt to accommodate Strand Larsen alongside the existing forwards and attacking midfielders, and whether McNeil or Mateta’s futures evolve in the coming months.