Wolves have moved to safeguard their investment in striker Jorgen Strand Larsen by having their star man sign a new contract.
The Norwegian attacker, 25, has been a standout for Wolves since he arrived from Celta Vigo on an initial loan deal which was turned into a permanent move.
Strand Larsen has two goals from three outings in all competitions this term while he banged in 14 goals in 38 outings last season where he also chipped in with five assists in that time.
The attacker’s statistics saw him emerge as a transfer target for Newcastle United this summer before Eddie Howe’s side eventually landed Nick Woltemade from VFB Stuttgart.
That was after Wolves had knocked back two bids for Strand Larsen from the Magpies before the deadline day after the long-running Alexander Isak saga began to finally wind down.
Jorgen Strand Larsen signs Wolves contract extension
Isak issued a statement demanding a Newcastle exit and that forced Howe and his staff to focus their attentions on a replacement.
But despite Strand Larsen telling Wolves he wanted the move, the club opted to keep hold of him and he did not fight his case.
Now they have moved to sign their frontman on a new contract in a bid to secure their future where the player is concerned and to ensure they get the maximum amount for his services in future when they do look to sell.
Boss Vitor Pereira said: “It’s very important – if we want to increase our level, if we want to give others a step to another level, we need this kind of player.
“He’s not just tactical and technical, he’s about spirit and personality. He is very important for us and it’s very good news for us.
“Football is not about assurance, it is about trust, hard work, day by day. It’s about work, character and commitment.
“If you are here and see the work every day, you can value the work of someone.”
Strand Larsen joins manager Vitor Pereira in penning deal
Speaking of timing and the deal for Strand Larsen comes after Portuguese gaffer Pereira himself also penned an extension to keep him at Molineux for another three years.
Clearly there is an ambitious project for the club but they currently sit 20th, rock bottom, of the Premier League table this term with a lowly zero points from their first four matches.
They finished 16th in the division last season and will surely be looking to improve on that.
But to do so they must drastically improve their form and do it fast to be able to justify Pereira’s deal.
