New Delhi: Newcastle’s frustrating summer in the transfer market shows no sign of easing with Wolves turning down a £50 million bid for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Norwegian hit 14 goals last season and has been identified as one of Eddie Howe’s top targets. But Wolves have made it clear they cannot afford to sell him so close to the window shutting on Monday.
Head coach Vitor Pereira considers Strand Larsen irreplaceable, especially with Alexander Isak sidelined and Callum Wilson leaving at the end of his contract. With only youngster Will Osula available, Pereira knows the striker’s value and won’t risk weakening his side any further. Strand Larsen joined Wolves permanently from Celta Vigo this summer after a successful loan, making the timing even tougher for Newcastle.
Newcastle’s rejection list grows
This is not the first time the magpies have been left frustrated. Their attempts to bring in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa stalled, with the Bees demanding what they feel is a fair price. Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko opted for Manchester United while Liam Delap and Joao Pedro both ended up at Chelsea. A club-record bid for Hugo Ekitike was hijacked by Liverpool, who then unsettled Isak to the point where he refused to travel on Newcastle’s pre-season tour.
It has been a painful sequence for Howe and his recruitment staff. As one source put it, Newcastle’s scouting has been sharp but competing against Champions League clubs and English heavyweights has left them short. They simply can’t match the wages and global stature of rivals like Liverpool, Manchester United or Chelsea.
Defining few weeks ahead
Howe is hopeful Newcastle will find solutions before deadline day. If Isak leaves, the club could be forced into a frantic push to bring in up to four new players, including two strikers, a central defender and a midfielder. The Magpies are already chasing Girona’s Ladislav Krejci to bolster their backline.
list. This summer has highlighted the growing pains of a side trying to establish itself among Europe’s elite. They have been unlucky with timing, particularly around Ekitike and Isak but also outmuscled financially by clubs with greater pull.
With the clock ticking down, the coming days could define their season. Whether they can finally land the reinforcements Howe needs will decide if Newcastle start the campaign chasing their rivals or playing catch-up.