The next Calvert-Lewin: Leeds hold significant interest in £40m talent

Leeds United roared back to life against Fulham, thanks to a dramatic last-minute strike from Lukas Nmecha, securing the Whites’ sixth Premier League victory of the season.

While Leeds supporters are now used to seeing their side grind out hard-fought wins, the goalscorer was a somewhat unusual hero. Nmecha notched his first goal at Elland Road since Leeds’ 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in November.

The German needed just nine minutes on the pitch to make an impact, expertly converting Ethan Ampadu’s inviting cross in stoppage time to seal the win.

Despite Nmecha’s heroics, manager Daniel Farke is unlikely to rely solely on him as a backup to star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Bringing in another forward remains a top priority for Leeds during the January transfer window.

Leeds Eye £40m Striker to Boost Attack

The Whites have been entertaining at times this season, scoring double the goals of relegation-struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Of their 30 goals, however, Calvert-Lewin has contributed nine, highlighting the team’s dependence on their Sheffield-born talisman.

To alleviate this reliance, Leeds have been pursuing reinforcements up front. Premier League veteran Callum Wilson was once linked, but with the striker likely to remain at West Ham, Leeds have turned their attention elsewhere. According to TEAMTalk, the club is still very interested in Fenerbahce striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

TEAMTalk sources suggest that several Premier League clubs are also circling the Norwegian, including Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and Nottingham Forest.

If Leeds can secure his signature, they would be adding a striker with a playing style closely resembling Calvert-Lewin—a physical, goal-hungry forward capable of dominating in the air.

Why Strand Larsen Could Mirror Calvert-Lewin

Strand Larsen, a former Everton striker, needed a fresh start last summer after struggling with injuries and scoring only three league goals the previous season.

Leeds, meanwhile, have benefited from a resurgent Calvert-Lewin, whose nine goals have helped Farke’s side maintain an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Currently at Wolves, Strand Larsen has managed just one Premier League goal this season. However, his previous form at Molineux showed his ability to be both ruthless and reliable in front of goal, not unlike the revitalized Calvert-Lewin at Elland Road.

In the 2023/24 season, the Norwegian scored 14 Premier League goals, including decisive late strikes against teams such as West Ham and Ipswich Town.

Statistically, Strand Larsen mirrors many of Calvert-Lewin’s attributes, particularly in aerial duels, making him a natural fit to complement Leeds’ main striker.

The main concern would be his willingness to adopt a backup role behind Calvert-Lewin, but ideally, Farke could maximize his scoring potential while strengthening Leeds’ attack.

Securing Strand Larsen would give Leeds an added goal threat, easing the burden on Calvert-Lewin and increasing their chances of Premier League survival.