Joel Piroe ‘certainly’ on the move as Leeds United eye transfer after £2.5m Jerry Yates development at Blackpool
Joel Piroe has been pushed another step closer to a Swansea exit and a possible move to Leeds United after his club closed in on signing Jerry Yates from Blackpool.
Phil Hay had named the Dutchman as a Whites transfer target in The Athletic on 6 July, before describing him as a “shoe-in for any Championship club” to score goal on The Square Ball a day later (33m 30s).
BBC Sport reported on Monday (10 July) that Swansea are now “poised to sign” Tangerines forward Yates, after having a “substantial bid” accepted, with a medical booked for Tuesday, and the knock-on effect is set to send Piroe out of South Wales.
Sunday Mirror journalist Darren Witcoop reported via Twitter Monday night: “Swansea paying close to £2.5m to sign Blackpool striker Jerry Yates. Certainly means Joel Piroe will be leaving the Welsh club this summer as expected.”
The Whites can’t wait around if they want to land the 23-year-old for their promotion push under Daniel Farke, with multiple clubs linked to him.
Piroe has scored 44 goals in two seasons across all competitions since moving to the UK from PSV Eindhoven two years ago so interest is no surprise, and a step up to the Premier League won’t be far off if it doesn’t come this summer.
With Rodrigo expected to depart amid extensive interest in the Spanish international, and Patrick Bamford now ready to leave Elland Road, a new forward looks like a key priority.
Piroe is proven Championship goalscorer, and Leeds United could convince him to be the main man as they aim for immediate promotion back to the top flight.
He only has a year left on his contract at Swansea so won’t break the bank, but the window for second tier sides laying a claim to his services is likely closing after next season at the latest, so now would be the time for the Whites to sign him.
One final campaign leading the line at Elland Road might be an attractive option for him if Leeds put themselves at the front of the queue this summer, with another move likely if they fall short of promotion.
He is clearly up for grabs now that Yates is on his way in so if Farke wants him the club needs to make a strong pitch urgently.
In other Leeds United news, a European international forward is now in the Whites’ sights for a move this summer.