Erling Haaland. Alexander Sørloth. Two of the biggest striker profiles in their respective big leagues. Jørgen Strand Larsen has scored 13 goals in the Premier League, and in April the 25-year-old was nominated for the Player of the Month award in the world’s toughest league. Now two strikers are being linked to Wolverhampton as a partner to the Norwegian national team striker. One is engaging, the other is dragging the “most expensive flop of all time” label.
In recent weeks, a lot has happened for Jamie Vardy. Angry and disappointed after yet another relegation from the Premier League with the club he has given his entire career to, so modest that he is leaving Leicester. The striker who scored Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016 has more to do in the Premier League.
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According to The Sun, Wolverhampton are leading the race for Vardy’s signature. For Jørgen Strand Larsen, who already cracked the Premier League code with 13 goals this season, a Vardy in the squad will be worth its weight in gold. What Vardy can’t teach a fresher Premier League striker, he doesn’t need to know. Vardy is an all-in player who will push Strand Larsen to new heights.
Now to “the most expensive flop of all time”.
In 2019, Arsenal pulled up £72 million for an attacking player, who was supposed to be one of the mainstays of Arsenal’s attack on their way back to the top with Mikel Arteta. It turned out to be the biggest mismatch between club and player. Less than four years later, Arsenal dumped the Ivorian striker/winger on a free transfer, one year before his contract expired. The most expensive Arsenal flop of all time was done in the Premier League. Now the way is cleared for a surprising return to the ball island.
Pepe had one year with Trabzonspor in the Turkish league, where he made 23 appearances with 6 goals. Then came the move to Villareal in 2024. Here, Pepe has worked his way into an upward curve of form. In Spain, the 29-year-old has been behind 1 goal and 3 assists in the last three games.
According to Footmercato, Wolverhampton have sent signals that they are closely monitoring Pepe’s development in La Liga, with one year left on his contract.
We know Vardy as Strand Larsen’s partner sounds like the right solution. After following Pepe in the Arsenal shirt, we think there will be little to gain here for Wolverhampton.
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