Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the signing of Celta Vigo forward Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Gary O'Neil has made no secret of his desire to add a new central striker to his squad for the 2024-25 campaign, a consequence of being left short in that area when injuries struck during the second half of the season.
Working with sporting director Matt Hobbs, the pair have wasted no time in delivering their desired target with Strand Larsen arriving at Molineux on Tuesday.
The Norway international initially joins the West Midlands outfit on a season-long loan deal, with a permanent move being activated if certain clauses are activated.
A contract until 2029 will be in place should those clauses be met, with the hope the 24-year-old can help complement the attacking players already at the club.
According to reports, Wolves will pay a loan fee of £3m with a further £23m being paid should a full-time switch be confirmed in due course.
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What have Strand Larsen, Hobbs had to say?
Speaking to the club's official website, Strand Larsen said: "It's an amazing day. It's one of the best days in my life. I'm really happy to be here, to be able to sit here and look at the pitch that I'm going to be playing in the next years.
"To be honest, I've had contact with Wolves for a long time. I really like the way they want me in the squad and in the team, and I feel very comfortable coming here. From the very first second of coming into the training ground today I've felt welcomed and warm, so it feels like I've made the right choice.
"I had a good season last year, so I had a few options, but there were no doubts that when Wolves called me and wanted me to come. It's been a good day ever since I've come here now. It's going to be amazing and I'm really happy today, and proud."
Hobbs added: "Everyone knows that bringing in a number nine was really important to us this summer, and Jorgen was our number one target for the position, so we are really pleased to have signed him.
"He's a great guy, who's got a really good charisma and a great personality, and although he's still young, still learning and still developing, he's shown that he can score goals, and puts a lot of work and running in for the rest of the team. We talk a lot about humility at this football club, and he fits that perfectly.
"In Jorgen, we're getting a guy whose career is on the way up and we hope to keep helping him improve and develop so he can get to the levels we think he can reach."
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What now for Wolves' other strikers?
While Wolves currently have Pedro Neto, Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan in their squad, Neto may depart the club if a suitable offer is made for the Portugal international.
Fabio Silva will leave Wolves, either on a permanent or temporary basis, with the former Rangers loanee not part of O'Neil's plans.
Strand Larsen is effectively an alternative for Sasa Kalajdzic, who has been sidelined since February with yet another serious knee injury.
Across two seasons with Celta Vigo, Strand Larsen has contributed 17 goals and seven assists in La Liga, while he is also capable of featuring along the forward line in all three positions.
Darren Plant
