After a busy summer transfer window, Leeds United enjoyed a quiet month of January. He was not the only target Daniel Farke’s side had in mind, but they did sign just one player, adding Facundo Buonanotte on loan to the squad.
They are always looking for market opportunities and were considering signing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
But they were unable to win that race and the striker instead moved to Crystal Palace in a deal worth £48m including add-ons. Clearly, Leeds couldn’t match the price, even though they wanted to bring the Norwegian to the club.
After signing three strikers in the summer, questions arose as to why Leeds wanted Strand Larsen.
Why Leeds wanted to sign Strand Larsen
The 2025-26 season was far from Strand Larsen’s best, considering he only scored one goal (a penalty) in the Premier League.
Still, the 25-year-old showed last term how good he can be.
In 35 games in the top flight, the Wolves star has scored 14 goals, including seven in the final nine games of the season. He was the main reason Old Gold finished 16th in the table and easily avoided relegation.
Last season he showed more consistency than Leeds’ strikers this season. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been in good form with nine goals, while Lucas Nmeka has five, Noah Okafor has had two and Joel Pillow has not scored in limited time.
Leeds have depth up front, but they definitely lack the quality that only the former Everton striker can provide.
In that sense, it would have made sense to sign Strand Larsen, who averaged 0.48 goals per game last season. He certainly could have increased their hopes of survival.
But in the long run, it might have been a good thing they didn’t sign him. Because there are young strikers who could have blocked his path.
Leeds’ talent is bigger than Strand Larsen
It’s clear why Leeds wanted the Norwegian striker this winter. If he played properly, he could have scored goals for the team, which would have played a big role in their fight against relegation.
But in the long term, missing out on that deal could benefit Whites’ raw talent Harry Gray.
He is also a member of the Gray family, coming through the academy at Elland Road, and has already made a name for himself on loan at Rotherham United.
Gray, who made his first-team debut last season, has featured less in the Premier League and was only included in the matchday squad for one game.
The 17-year-old moved to League One side Rotherham on loan and has already scored two goals in four games, making a smooth transition to life at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
His goal against Exeter City at the weekend showed what kind of talent Leeds have. The England Under-17 international confidently picked up the ball in the left channel, drove inside with his right foot and fired home past a large number of defenders.
His performances in the last two games against Northampton Town and Exeter further highlight his talent.
In addition to scoring in each game, he also showed different sides to his game, making three progressive carries against Northampton and winning six of eight games against the Greeks.
Gray – Last 2 games | ||
|---|---|---|
status | vs. Northampton | vs. Exeter |
touch | 33 | 29 |
progressive carry | 3 | 1 |
won a duel | 3 | 6 |
shot on target | 2 | 2 |
the goal | 1 | 1 |
Sofa score statistics | ||
Football scout Ben Mattinson described the teenager as “the real deal” at the start of the season, and it’s easy to see why.
He has shown talent in academy football and is proving that his talent can be transferred to senior football.
It’s fun for Leeds fans to imagine how good he can become in the future. If Gray is still performing like this at 17 years old, he’s definitely going to get even better.
Signing Strand Larsen would have been a good deal in the short term, but Gray’s talent is a player Leeds could benefit from further in the coming years. Watch out for Calvert-Lewin, he’s coming for the number nine.
Leeds United’s biggest ever sale
Let’s take a look at the departure record from Elland Road.
