After a busy summer transfer window, Leeds United January went through a quieter period. They have only signed one player, bringing Facundo Buonanotte on loan, although he is not the only target Daniel Farke’s side are pursuing.

They are always looking for market opportunities and are considering signing Jorgen Strand Larson From Wolves.

However, they did not win that game and the striker moved to Crystal Palace in a deal worth £48 million including add-ons. Apparently, Leeds United are not ready to pay the fee, despite their desire to bring the Norwegian to the club.

After signing three strikers in the summer, the question arises as to why Leeds want Strand Larsson.

Why Leeds United want to sign Strand Larsson

The 2025/26 season is still far from Strand Larsson’s best season, as he only scored one Premier League goal and one penalty.

However, the 25-year-old proved just how good he is last season.

The Wolves star scored 14 goals in 35 top-flight games, including seven goals in nine games at the end of the season. He was the main reason why the Old Gold finished 16th in the table and comfortably avoided relegation.

Last season, he showed a more consistent performance than the Leeds United striker. Dominic Calvert-LeVine is flying and has scored nine goals, while Lucas Nmecha has scored just five, Noah Okafor has scored twice and Joel Pirro has been held scoreless in limited time.

Leeds have depth up front but arguably they lack the quality that only a former Everton striker can get.

In that sense, signing Strand Larsson, who averaged 0.48 goals per game last season, makes sense. He could certainly improve their hopes of survival.

However, it’s probably a good thing they didn’t sign him in the long run, as he might have been blocking the path of a young forward.

Leeds United have more talent than Strand Larsen

It’s obvious why Leeds want the Norwegian striker this winter. With the right service, he could have scored goals which would have played a huge role in their fight to avoid relegation.

Missing out on the signing could benefit the Whites’ homegrown talent Harry Gray in the long term, though.

He is another member of the Gray family who has graduated from the Elland Road academy and has already impressed on loan at Rotherham United.

After making his first-team debut last season, Gray found his chances in the Premier League diminished and was only named in the squad for one game.

The 17-year-old is on loan at Rotherham in League One where he has already scored two goals in four games, making an easy transition to life at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

His goal against Exeter City at the weekend showed the talent Leeds have. The England Under-17 international had the confidence to pick up the ball on the left, break inside with his right foot, and finish through a swarm of defenders.

His numbers in the past two games against Northampton Town and Exeter further highlight his talent.

As well as scoring every game, he also scored three times against Northampton and won six of eight games against the Greeks, showing a different side to his game.

Football Scout Ben Martinson Description The teenager was viewed as the “real deal” at the start of the season and it’s easy to see why.

He excelled in academy football and is now proving his talents can transfer to senior football.

For Leeds fans, it’s exciting to imagine just how good he could become in the future. If Gray is already performing like this at just 17 years old, he’s certainly only going to get better.

Signing Strand Larsson is a good deal in the short term, but Gray’s talent is something Leeds could benefit from even more in the coming years. Watch out for Calvert-LeVine, he’s here to compete for the No. 9 jersey.

Relevant

Leeds United’s most expensive ever sale

View records departing from Elland Road.