Wolves have officially announced the signing of Jorgen Strand Larsen – and there is already word about what Gary O’Neil wants to do in 2024/25.
The Norway international is the latest recruit at Molineux, signing on an initial loan move which is likely to become permanent for around £25 million. Supposedly, it will be triggered automatically based on appearances made.
Strand Larsen is the first out-and-out striker signed by Wolves since Sasa Kalajdzic two years ago.
The 24-year-old hit 13 goals in La Liga last season, so fans have high hopes that he will be able to deliver in the Premier League.
Strand Larsen’s signing is interesting for a few reasons – one of which has been offered by journalist Alex Richards.
Gary O’Neil wants Wolves to play with a back four again in 2024/25
Strand Larsen is someone who is quite used to playing with a partner up front.
Celta Vigo often set up with a 4-4 2 last term, with Iago Aspas playing with Strand Larsen up top. He also had a good season, scoring nine goals in La Liga.
It would seem that Gary O’Neil is potentially thinking about this, because Alex Richards has today reported that the Wolves manager is looking to change the system for next season.
After the Strand Larsen announcement, he wrote on X: “Wolves have their new No.9 & have bolstered their attacking ranks. Gary O’Neil wants back 4 switch & to get more forward threat on the pitch. Sales to come – who depends on offers/interest.
“Kilman to West Ham question remains, so much talk but not near asking price so far.”
Wolves fans will be excited
This will be music to a lot of Wolves fans’ ears.
The switch to a back three and wing-backs really helped Wolves last season, and O’Neil was still able to get the team playing attacking football.
But it has long been a desire for many at Molineux for Wolves to become a front-foot side playing attacking football using a back four and more players in the attacking positions.
Seemingly, the plan will be to have Strand Larsen leading the line, with someone playing either alongside him or just behind him. Matheus Cunha is probably the prime candidate to be that player.
It is going to be fascinating to see what the defence looks like for that first game with Arsenal. Because following this claim, everything is up in the air, especially with Max Kilman potentially leaving.