Joel Piroe set for ‘bad news’ at Leeds United, he’ll want talks with Daniel Farke
Leeds United forward Joel Piroe will be knocking on Daniel Farke’s door later this season if the current state of play continues, says David Norris.
Piroe, signed for £12m from Swansea City last year, played 45 times last season with 30 starts (including play-offs), and scored 14 goals – but has now been shunned for Mateo Joseph as the club’s first-choice striker.
The Dutchman was hooked after 64 minutes in his only league start so far this season, and has only been deployed either as a number 10 or out on the left-hand side.
Former Whites midfielder Norris, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, said: “Farke seems to like Joseph and he has a lot of potential.
“This could be bad news for Piroe as well, who might be knocking on the manager’s door further down the line.”
Leeds United must get the best out of Joel Piroe
There are several factors that come into play regarding Piroe at Leeds United – first of all, his best position.
The 25-year-old was signed last summer for an eight-figure sum, primarily to score goals, and he has done that – but Farke prefers to utilise just one centre-forward to spearhead his attack, and he has gone with Joseph.
Then there is Patrick Bamford – in the season opener against Portsmouth, Bamford came on up front for Joseph whilst Piroe replaced Dan James out wide, and in fairness performed well for 18 minutes plus an eventful injury time as he set up Brenden Aaronson’s late equaliser.
Could he partner Joseph and have the young Spaniard play off him? Potentially – and it sounds promising on paper, but it would then water down Leeds’ wide options, with James and Willy Gnonto two of the best in the league in their position – Farke will be desperate to hang onto the duo until after the transfer deadline.
But Piroe is, by trade, a natural goalscorer; a commanding central figure; and if his game time is restricted in a small squad gunning for promotion, there will be a conversation to be had with Farke.
In other Leeds news, Borussia Monchengladbach are ready to “attack” the club for Max Wober.
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