Crystal Palace have completed the signing of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in a club-record deal worth up to £48m. The 25-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at Selhurst Park and will wear the number 22 shirt. Palace moved quickly for the Norway international as Jean-Philippe Mateta appeared close to a transfer to AC Milan.
Mateta stays as Milan withdraw
Palace pursued Strand Larsen while Mateta looked set to leave south London. The France international has managed a knee issue in recent weeks. He underwent an initial medical examination on Sunday and completed further tests on Monday. AC Milan later pulled out of the proposed £30m deal. Mateta will now remain at Selhurst Park and compete alongside the new signing.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish welcomed the arrival of the striker. He said the club felt delighted that Strand Larsen chose to continue his career in south London. Parish added that he expects the forward to become a valuable asset for many years.
McNeil loan deal moves closer
Palace have also agreed a loan deal for Everton winger Dwight McNeil. The FA Cup holders have requested extra time from the Premier League to complete the move. The agreement includes an obligation to buy the 26-year-old for £20m at the end of the season. Palace continue to strengthen their squad during a busy transfer window.
A fresh start for Strand Larsen
Strand Larsen has endured a difficult season so far at Wolves. He has scored one Premier League goal in 22 appearances for a struggling side. Wolves currently sit bottom of the table and remain 18 points from safety. Palace hope the striker will rediscover last season’s form quickly.
The Norway international scored 14 goals in 35 matches last term for Wolves. He achieved that tally before the club made his loan move from Celta Vigo permanent. Palace expect that previous form to translate into goals at Selhurst Park.
Strand Larsen said he feels excited about joining Crystal Palace. He described the move as something he wanted for a long time. He said he aims to bring energy and goals while giving everything for the club. The forward could make his Palace debut on Sunday against Brighton in a 14:00 GMT kickoff.
