Joel Piroe now ‘unaffordable’ as he makes Leeds United exit admission
Joel Piroe has been instrumental in guiding Leeds United to the Premier League.
The Dutchman scored 19 goals to help lead Daniel Farke’s side to the Championship title and Premier League promotion.
The race for the title came down to the final day with only goal difference separating the top two, as Piroe bagged the golden boot.
Now, the league’s top scorer looks towards life outside of the Championship, with the new season set to realise his biggest goal.
Piroe “unaffordable” in new transfer reveal
The 25-year-old has improved for United this season, scoring three more goals and providing four more assists than in his debut season at Elland Road.
As a result, Piroe’s future has been one to look out for, with hopes of being called up to the Netherlands national team.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
| 2024/25 | 48 | 19 | 7 | 3.193′ |
| 2023/24 | 53 | 16 | 3 | 3.423′ |
Speaking to Dutch website VI Sport (12 May), Piroe believes he is good enough to represent his country after his stand-out season.
While he admitted that the pace and intensity of the Championship is greater than the Eredivisie, he is open to returning to old club PSV in the future.
Piroe said: “That club is the most ingrained in me. And my time there did not end as I had hoped. So I will always be open to a return. It is not realistic now.”
However, with the striker performing at the top level and the inflated transfer market, his value is said to be “unaffordable” for Dutch clubs.
Piroe may struggle in the Premier League
Until now, the Dutchman’s career has been divided between the Championship and the Eredivisie.
While Piroe ended his campaign on 19 goals, the difference in quality between the top divisions has only grown, and the step up may prove too large for the forward.
Championship sides have struggled to avoid relegation in the Premier League as of late, with newly promoted Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton the most recent victims.
The physicality of the Premier League has always proven difficult to adjust to, and the competitiveness of the league gives little time for Championship sides to adjust.
Hence, with Piroe’s playstyle relying heavily on dropping into the midfield, linking up and creating attacks rather than leading the line, the transition could be too much to handle.
Nevertheless, regardless of what next season holds, the Dutchman’s Championship campaign is one hard to forget.
Fingers crossed, he can make that step up with his ruthless finishing.