Everton are about to miss out on a transfer target.
Youssef En-Nesyri has chosen Juventus despite having the chance to move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on loan from Fenerbahce, meaning Everton now have to consider an alternative.
Jorgen Strand Larsen is an option who The Friedkin Group have shortlisted, and in our opinion, the Wolves No.9 could genuinely move to Everton after the development involving Juventus.
How much would you pay for Jorgen Strand Larsen in January? 🤨
He scored 14 in the Premier League last season!
Why Jorgen Strand Larsen to Everton could now be on
As they awaited a decision from En-Nesyri, Juventus also made attempts to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace.
Ultimately, the Italian giants refused to meet the £35m asking price.
Crystal Palace are in talks for Strand Larsen just in case Mateta does move elsewhere this winter, but considering the France international will only have 12 months left on his contract at the end of the season, we expect clubs to pursue him more seriously in the summer – when the Eagles will presumably entertain bids much lower than the £35m mark.
It means the Frenchman looks likely to stay in SE25 for now, which – if that does turn out to be the case – also suggests Crystal Palace will not be taking Strand Larsen this month, leaving the door open to Everton.
Wolves are happy to sell the Norway international for £40m this month as they prepare for life in the Championship next season, so if Everton are serious about this deal, it seems there for The Friedkin Group to do.
Jorgen Strand Larsen would be ideal for David Moyes and could actually help Thierno Barry
Larsen is a proven, reliable forward at this level having scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season for a fairly average Wolves side.
Considering the Norwegian is just 25 years of age too, a £40m move seems like a bargain for Everton, and a deal would also go some way in terms of taking the pressure off Thierno Barry.
Despite netting three goals in his last four Premier League outings, the Frenchman has looked like a man carrying a lot of pressure on his shoulders this season following a £27m move from Villarreal.
Would signing a new striker ruin Barry’s development?
However, with a proven striker in Larsen to learn from at Finch Farm, somebody who can step up to share the goalscoring responsibility as well, this move may actually help Barry rather than hinder him, if it materialises.
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