Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Sun 1 February 2026 16:40, UK
Leeds United have accepted defeat in their pursuit of Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Despite the risk of relegation that Leeds are facing, the Whites have only made one first-team addition with the arrival of Facundo Buonanotte.
Daniel Farke has been eying more attacking reinforcements all window, with Strand Larsen heavily linked with a move to Elland Road.
However, the Norwegian is set to undergo a medical with Crystal Palace after a £48million deal was agreed with Wolves, with Leeds’ succession plan, or lack of it in this instance, now revealed.
Credit: Imago49ers repeat summer mistake at Elland Road
Leeds were not willing to go beyond £40m to sign Strand Larsen this winter, and given their financial situation and uncertainty over which league they will be in next season, they can be somewhat forgiven for that decision.
However, a report from Sky Sports now states that it is “unlikely” that a new striker arrives at Elland Road before the deadline on Monday night.
That is despite Lukas Nmecha having suffered an injury, and Joel Piroe having showcased little to warrant a run in the team.
It’s clear that Leeds were hedging their bets on landing Strand Larsen, quite similarly to how they did with Harry Wilson in the summer.
🔵🔴🦅 Jørgen Strand Larsen medical as new Crystal Palace player has been booked.
Final fee to Wolves will be £45m add-ons included after sorting commissions details in last 48h. pic.twitter.com/ggmQ1IZZpm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2026
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The Whites were left short in the summer after putting all of their eggs in one basket, and the same looks set to happen again this time around.
Leeds still looking to do business on Monday
While the arrival of a striker appears to be off the cards, the same report states that the arrival of a player in another area of the squad cannot be ruled out.
Karl Darlow’s performance for Leeds against Arsenal has again amplified the need for the Whites to sign another goalkeeper, while other areas of the squad could also do with reinforcements.
James Justin’s injury has perhaps opened the door for another defensive arrival, while it is still possible that Leeds look at the signing of a forward who can play across the front three.
However, with just over 24 hours until 7pm’s deadline, time is running out, and should the Whites end the window without any new arrivals, the 49ers will have plenty of questions to answer.
And even more so if Leeds start to fall back down the Premier League table.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.