Crystal Palace advances with £50 million for Strand Larsen and Forest prepares new bid for Mateta By Beatriz
5 min read
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Crystal Palace intensifies movements in the Premier League transfer market in January 2026. The London club has advanced in negotiations to sign Norwegian striker Fontes indicate that a principle of understanding has been reached between the clubs in the last few hours, although final details are still being finalized.
At the same time, Nottingham Forest is preparing a new proposal for Jean-Philippe Mateta, from Crystal Palace, after an initial offer of £35 million was rejected. The French striker expressed his desire to leave Palace, and Forest appears to be a financially attractive option. Além In addition, Palace finalizes the loan of Ivorian Evann Guessand, from Aston Villa, with an option to purchase at the end of the season.
These operations reflect the clubs’ strategy to reinforce the offensive sector before the window closes in February. Palace seeks immediate replacements if Mateta leaves, while Forest aims for greater firepower in the attack.
Negotiations for Strand Larsen gain strength
Crystal Palace has accelerated conversations for Norwegian Jørgen Strand Larsen in the last 24 hours. The 25-year-old player, who scored just one goal in Premier League this season for Wolves, is seen as a key part of the attack led by Oliver Glasner. The fee discussed is around £45 million fixed plus £5 million in bonuses, surpassing the club’s previous record paid by Brennan Johnson.
The Wolves are open for sale as long as the bid comes close to the £55 million rejected by the Newcastle last summer. An offer from Leeds United of £40 million has already been rejected, and the Elland Road club are reluctant to significantly increase the amount. The arrival of Strand Larsen would represent a significant investment by Palace to maintain competitiveness in the league’s mid-table.
- Main numbers of Strand Larsen this season:
- 1 goal in Premier League
- Constant presence as a starter in Wolves
- Contract until 2030 with option to extend
This data shows potential despite the recent low performance in finishing.
Forest’s interest in Mateta intensifies
Jean-Philippe Mateta informed the Crystal Palace board of his desire to leave the club. The 28-year-old Frenchman attracts concrete offers, with Nottingham Forest preparing an improved offer after an initial £35m was rejected. The player seeks greater exposure, including the possibility of Champions League, but the salary package offered by Forest is considered highly advantageous.
Clubs such as Juventus and Milan have also shown real interest in the striker who has scored eight goals in Premier League this season. Palace would only accept trading at values that meet expectations of immediate replacement. Palace and Forest face each other next Sunday in the league, and no agreement should be concluded before this duel.
Mateta has been Palace’s top scorer in recent seasons. Sua departure would open space for new signings in the offensive sector.
Loan of Guessand advances to Palace
Crystal Palace is close to confirming the loan of Evann Guessand, from Aston Villa, until the end of the season. The agreement includes a purchase option for the London club, which had already monitored the 24-year-old Ivorian last summer. Guessand scored two goals in 26 games for Villa, both in Europa League, and is fighting for space as a center forward.
The recent arrival of Tammy Abraham to Aston Villa reduced the player’s chances in the starting team. Ollie Watkins remains the main option in the villains’ attack. Guessand has been called up 19 times by the Costa team from Marfim and is looking for more minutes to develop his football.
The loan meets Palace’s immediate need for squad depth. Caso Mateta leaves, Guessand gains even more relevance as an alternative.
Financial details of operations
The movements involve high values characteristic of Premier League. Palace has already broken its transfer record with Brennan Johnson and is now preparing another significant investment in Strand Larsen. The £50 million discussed puts the Norwegian among the biggest signings of winter 2026.
In the case of Mateta, Forest demonstrates a willingness to raise the initial proposal. Clubes Italians are following the situation closely, which could push for a quick resolution. The loan of Guessand represents an operation with low immediate financial risk for Palace.
These deals highlight the dynamics of the English market in January. Clubes seek specific adjustments to improve performance in the final stretch of the season.
Profile of the attackers involved
Jørgen Strand Larsen arrived at Wolves as a long-term bet, but did not fully live up to expectations in terms of goals. Sua height and aerial presence are qualities valued by Palace to vary the style of play. The Norwegian has a long contract and has attracted interest from multiple European clubs.
Jean-Philippe Mateta established himself as a reference in the Palace with sequences of important goals. Sua possible move to Forest would represent a financial leap and the chance to play in a team on the rise in the table. The Frenchman combines physical strength with good finishing inside the area.
Evann Guessand joins on loan after difficult adaptation at Inglaterra. Sua speed and international experience can add tactical options to Palace. The 24-year-old player is still looking to assert himself at a high European level.
Context of the teams in the season
The Crystal Palace occupies an intermediate position in the Premier League and seeks stability with specific reinforcements. The potential departure of Mateta requires quick replacement to maintain offensive power. The London club demonstrates ambition by investing record amounts in a short period of time.
Nottingham Forest is experiencing a positive moment and wants to consolidate its place in European competitions. Hiring an experienced center forward like Mateta fits into the planning. The club rejected initial offers for other targets and focuses on viable negotiations.
Wolverhampton evaluates exits to balance accounts, but only accepts proposals aligned with the market value of its assets. The possible sale of Strand Larsen would open up space for new hires.
Parallel movements in the market
Other operations are monitored by those involved. Forest made a £20 million offer for Yasin Ayari midfielder Yasin Ayari, but is expected to face an initial refusal. Clubes as well as Leeds maintain interest in Strand Larsen as an alternative plan.
Aston Villa frees up Guessand to give the player minutes and focus on his starters. Premier League records several negotiations in the last weeks of January. Times adjust rosters for specific season goals.
These transfers could define important directions in the coming months. Clubes invest heavily in correcting deficiencies identified throughout the campaign.
