West Ham are facing an uphill battle to secure Premier League survival in 2025/26, and the January transfer window could prove pivotal.

West Ham were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City on Saturday, and it was a scoreline that cut them five points adrift of 17th-place Nottingham Forest.

Sadly, the Hammers also have troubles at the top end of the pitch, and that is why the league’s sixth-lowest scorers are in the market for a new centre-forward in January.

West Ham place Jorgen Strand Larsen on transfer radar

With Niclas Fullkrug closing in on a loan move to AC Milan, Nuno is looking to sign a like-for-like replacement, and that explains links to Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen.

On Sunday, it emerged that West Ham have shown an interest in Strand Larsen, whose 6′ 4″ frame could add a real presence to their forward line.

Jorgen Strand Larsen’s career in numbers296 appearances83 goals33 assistsThe Norwegian made an excellent start to life in English football last term, scoring 12 Premier League goals after joining from Celta Vigo.

But the 25-year-old has witnessed his form drop off the cliff after finding the net once in 15 top-flight appearances, while the Old Gold are rock bottom on just two points.

Strand Larsen struck a promising partnership with Matheus Cunha last term, before he joined Manchester United in the summer, and he could form something similar with Jarrod Bowen.

Gary O’Neil’s verdict on Strand Larsen

Bowen’s best position is, of course, cutting in from the right flank, but the Englishman has occupied central positions in the absence of a prolific number nine.

The signing of Strand Larsen would give the winger a presence to hit in the box, while making runs on the back of his flick-ons.

Speaking about the striker in December 2024, former West Ham midfielder and Wolves boss, Gary O’Neil, praised his ‘all-round’ strengths.

“I think it was one of his best performances for us [against Bournemouth], he looked like a handful,” O’Neil said via BBC Sport.

“His numbers are excellent for a new striker to the league. To hit the ground running from Spain is a big plus for us and him. It’s not easy to do.

“I saw an improvement in his all round game which is important. His relationship with Matheus [Cunha] and trying to utilise his strengths better.”

Strand Larsen could form an incredible relationship with Bowen, just as he did with Cunha, and that could be crucial to turning their campaign around.

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