Credit: Manh Tung/Breaking Media

Scott Mason

Fri 3 April 2026 10:10, UK

Joel Piroe has had a tough season at Elland Road, with the Leeds United star failing to achieve many minutes.

After being a key man for Daniel Farke last campaign, Piroe has fallen drastically out of the German’s plans.

The arrival of Noah Okafor, Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were clear signs that the Whites manager felt his attacking options were not good enough for this season.

While Calvert-Lewin has turned out to be a shrewd signing by the Peacocks, lately there have been plenty of issues in the final third.

However, Piroe’s teammates seem to still hold a high view of the striker, with Karl Darlow making quite the admission that could be useful in Leeds’ final matches this season.

What has Karl Darlow said about Joel Piroe?

Over recent weeks, Leeds have struggled to find the back of the net, with just one goal from their last five Premier League matches.

There was quite an overhaul in the forward department during the summer, and the early months of the season had looked like it was a bold but well-calculated move.

One man who was on the negative side of those moves has been Piroe. The Suriname striker has barely featured, but that has not stopped his quality in the eyes of his teammates.

Speaking on the Official Leeds United Podcast, Darlow said about Piroe: “He’s a poacher in terms of he gets a chance, he normally scores it, and yes, for me, he’d be the best finisher at the club.”

It is quite the claim from Darlow, especially considering Calvert-Lewin’s exploits this season.

However, with his teammates holding Piroe in high esteem, it does make you question whether he has been given enough of a shot to be a star for the Whites this season.

Now, with him out of favour and Piroe’s contract expiring next summer, a move out of LS11 seems likely.

Piroe has not had chance to back up Darlow’s claim

However, last season, Piroe did overperform his xG. His 17.17xG resulted in 19 goals scored for the now-Suriname international.

This showcases that Piroe is an effective finisher. Additionally, in the 2024-2025 Championship, he maintained a 19 per cent conversion rate as per Sofascore.

Among this season’s Premier League top goalscorers, he would be competitive with rates in the top five ranging from 16.92 per cent to 27.91 per cent.

Ultimately, it does seem Farke does not trust the 26-year-old at the Premier League level, highlighted by just handing him two starts this season.

While Piroe is lauded by Darlow for his finishing in training, he is seemingly not doing enough to impress those whom it matters most – the Leeds coaching staff.

At this stage of the season, Farke is unlikely to turn to Piroe now. However, with his limited chances, we may never know if he would have been able to translate his Championship success to the top flight.