Leeds United and West Ham currently look like the two main candidates battling to avoid relegation, as United sit six clear of the Irons this Christmas.
One game remains in 2025 for United as we sit a much comfier six points clear of relegation. But, anyone thinking that the only way is up for Leeds from hereon might be getting ahead of themselves.
As we await West Ham to finally turn a corner under Nuno Espirito Santo, the January window could prove pivotal for the Irons and any side trying to stay in the league.
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West Ham trying to replace Niklas Fullkrug with Jorgen Strand Larsen this January – David Ornstein
West Ham’s form could soon turn with a cluster of more favourable fixtures after Man City away. Once they enter the January window, replacing the outbound Niklas Fullkrug looks the top priority up front.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that West Ham are setting their sights on a bid to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves. The Norwegian striker signed permanently for £23million in the summer after a 14-goal haul on loan from Celta Vigo, but is heading to the Championship unless he jumps ship in 2026.
Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is a shock target for West Ham. (Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
Strand Larsen’s tame penalty at 2-0 down against Brentford was met with audible boos as Wolves’ turmoil continued. As a result, West Ham are sensing the opportunity to take one of their star players.
On Match of the Day, Matt Doherty suggested that some Wolves players may already be looking at the exit door.
“Do we want to be remembered for fighting until the end of the season, or do we want to be remembered for being cowards and taking maybe the easy option out and maybe trying to leave in January or letting other people take your position,” he said.
Leeds United must battle for Jorgen Strand Larsen – it could relegate West Ham as a result
At the moment, I think keeping Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit could be the difference between us staying up or going down. West Ham will have something to say about that with their transfer business, and adding more potency to Jarrod Bowen is vital.
If Leeds are in the market for a new striker, which they absolutely should be, then Strand Larsen would be a huge shout. Of course, he was subject to £55million Newcastle United interest, so even if his stock has dropped, he’s going to be worth a fair old chunk, surely?
That said, West Ham clearly hold optimism that Strand Larsen is attainable. But, Leeds could give their survival hopes a massive boost by pipping the Irons to him. In turn, it could end up being a saga that relegates the East London club.
Strand Larsen looks a shadow of the player he was last season, but confidence is massive, as we’re seeing with Calvert-Lewin. A better setup might be what it takes to recapture his superb form.
Most importantly for Leeds is how they finance this deal, or any striker deal for that matter. PSR restraints confirmed by managing director Robbie Evans mean that loan deals are most likely.
However, that cameo from Joel Piroe last night suggests to me that it’s just not going to work for him in the Premier League. Maybe it’s a one in, one out for Piroe to leave and free up money for someone like Strand Larsen.
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