West Ham Exclusive: Lopetegui snubbed deal to sign Wolves star
West Ham Zone understands that Jørgen Strand Larsen was offered to the East London club before he joined Wolves.
Julen Lopetegui is on the brink of being sacked at the London Stadium [via GiveMeSport, 30 December] as a result of his side’s dismal form this season, with a lack of goals one of many issues.
Therefore, the 58-year-old is probably wishing that he had signed a different striker in the summer.
While the Hammers signed Niclas Füllkrug, who might already his his eyes on the exit door, Wolves signed Larsen on loan from Celta Vigo, with the deal automatically becoming permanent until 2029 for £23million if certain clauses are triggered [via BBC Sport, 2 July 2024].
Larsen has so far scored seven times in the Premier League in 19 appearances, and it appears as though the Norwegian could have been playing his football at the London Stadium this term.
West Ham rejected chance to sign Jørgen Strand Larsen
A recruitment source with close links to the Premier League and Norwegian market has exclusively revealed to West Ham Zone that Lopetegui’s side were offered Larsen, but weren’t interested.
And as a result of Füllkrug’s “catastrophic” time in East London, it feels as though the decision to turn down a move for Larsen was a big mistake.
West Ham Zone understands that Tottenham, Manchester United and Crystal Palace were the other Premier League teams offered the opportunity to sign the 24-year-old.
And if Lopetegui is sacked, he will be wondering what difference those seven goals Larsen has scored in the Premier League might have made.
In other West Ham news, an update has emerged on Michail Antonio.
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