Joel Piroe ‘frustrated’ at Elland Road as Leeds eye summer transfer
Joel Piroe has been the main source of goals for Leeds United this season, though things could change for the Dutchman if the Whites are to get promoted.
As it stands, Leeds remain in the driving seat to achieve a Premier League return, and it is fair to say that it has been a whole team effort.
Manor Solomon has earned his plaudits throughout the season, as has Piroe with his 21-goal contributions, leading the charts at Elland Road.
However, if Leeds are successful in their bid for promotion, things could change for Piroe, and there is a chance that he becomes frustrated.
Piroe ‘set for new role’ at Leeds United
Throughout the campaign, several people and pundits have voiced their concerns over Leeds lacking a natural centre forward, though Piroe has certainly given a good enough account of himself.
Leeds appear as though they will be chasing a new striker in the summer amid links to Tammy Abraham, and it could change the course of the future for Piroe.
Paul Robinson, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News said: “I think the way I would play it is him as a 10. I think that’s his best position, playing off a main striker. It would be frustrating for him, but I think it’s clearly obvious that Leeds do lack an out-and-out number nine.
“Piroe has got the goals, he’s got the goal contributions, but it’s the contribution to the work rate off the ball and the runs that a centre forward makes. And the Championship, as we know, the gulf in class; we’ve seen it this season between Championship and Premier League.
| Leeds | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Joel Piroe | 35 | 15 | 6 |
“Look at the three sides that went up, and look where they are now. All three are below that line, two of them at the end of February. They’re already done, they’re finished, they’re on their way down by the look of it.
“So, for Leeds to strengthen and reinforce, it’s more of a squad game than it ever was. And I don’t think Piroe will look at that, and he’ll go, OK, I’m only going to come off the bench at times where I’m not going to play every week. That’s the Premier League, you don’t necessarily play and start every week.”
While that frustration will grow in the summer, Piroe will likely already be feeling it with the knowledge that they will be chasing a deal for a striker.
Leeds must target a striker this summer
Regardless of how well Piroe has fared this season, the need for a new striker is evident, and without it, success will be hard to come by.
With concerns over the future of Patrick Bamford, matched by the inability of Mateo Joseph to contribute consistently, it would leave an awful amount of pressure on Piroe to deliver.
Those needs will be amplified even further if the Whites achieve promotion, with a big summer ahead at Elland Road.