Daniel Farke to gift Leeds star curtain-closing game vs Derby as January exit speculation grows
Joel Piroe may play his final match for Leeds United against Derby County on Sunday.
Leeds will travel to Pride Park Stadium to take on John Eustace’s Derby in an FA Cup third-round clash, where Daniel Farke will most likely choose to rotate.
The Whites will know that a result isn’t essential, considering what’s at stake in the Premier League, as the Leeds boss may conform to gifting multiple stars a chance to impress.
Piroe‘s future at LS11 is uncertain, and there’s every chance that Derby is his last opportunity to stake his claim as an important Leeds player.
A Joel Piroe masterclass could change everything
Middlesbrough have been tipped to sign Piroe in the January transfer market, who are one of a few Championship clubs said to be interested in the Dutchman.
The striker won the Championship’s golden boot award last campaign after scoring a whopping 19 goals in the competition, but has been unable to find his feet in the top flight.
| Games (starts) | Goals | Assists |
| 46 (36) | 19 | 7 |
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been on fire since arriving at Elland Road in the summer, and as a result, Piroe’s game time has suffered.
But with the speculation surrounding the fan favourite, Farke could hand the 26-year-old his last match in a Leeds shirt on Sunday.
Alternatively, a top-class performance could shoot him straight back into Farke’s thinking.
Lukas Nmecha’s injury has derailed his form, and it remains to be seen whether or not the number nine can get back to his best, with Piroe still available as things stand.
What other Leeds stars could play their final match vs Derby?
Farke has confirmed that he will drop Lucas Perri versus Derby, with Karl Darlow set for a chance to impress.
The keeper has featured in the Premier League on occasions this campaign, but has failed to claim a starting spot. With Darlow at the back end of his career, he may seek a move if game time is not guaranteed.
Sam Byram is another man who has been instrumental in Leeds’ quest for promotion in the past two seasons, playing a big part for Farke.
However, the versatile full-back has made just one appearance in the Premier League, and everything looks set for his Elland Road departure in the coming weeks.
Time will tell, but it would be a nice gesture if the Leeds boss were to hand these players a chance to play at least one more time ahead of potential exits this month.