Joel Piroe shares Premier League transfer admission in Leeds United promotion verdict
Joel Piroe has admitted that he turned down Premier League interest to join Leeds United in the Championship during the summer transfer window.
The Dutchman joined the ranks at Elland Road from Swansea City for a reported £12million this summer [Wales Online, 24 August], opting to make the switch to Daniel Farke’s side ahead of a number of prospective top-flight suitors.
In 29 Championship matches for the Whites this term, Piroe has managed to score 10 goals and pick up a single assist as Farke’s side sits third in the Championship and he has no doubts Leeds will win promotion this season.
As quoted by Voetbalzone on Wednesday (7 February) he said: “At Leeds I can really win my place, so I’ll be there later if we manage to win promotion to the Premier League.
“Last summer I already had options in that competition, but then you sometimes choose a club that has to compete against relegation or you are taken as a nineteenth man.
“Leeds gives me confidence and I have to say that the level of our selection absolutely ticks the Premier League. I believe in our mission. Whether it’s direct promotion or through the play-offs; I think we’re strong enough to achieve it.
“Of course, Leicester City and Southampton are also doing well, and Ipswich Town has had a good start, but it’s still a long season. Our selection is strong enough for the Premier League, I am convinced of that.”
Joel Piroe convinced Daniel Farke will take Leeds United to the Premier League
It speaks volumes of the atmosphere Farke has created at Leeds United this season that players like Piroe would opt to join the ranks at Elland Road rather than make the jump to the Premier League.
Players view the German’s project as almost a guaranteed move to the top flight, with Piroe and many others anticipating that they will be playing Premier League football come the 2024/25 campaign.
Piroe hasn’t been a regular in recent weeks for the Whites, with excellent performances from Patrick Bamford seeing the Dutchman limited to appearances from the bench, however, he has adapted to his number 10 role to give Leeds a new dimension in attack.
Between now and the end of the season, the former Swansea City man could play a huge part in Leeds’ fight for promotion. His goals could be decisive, but it is clear that he expects to win promotion this season.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites may have avoided a transfer mistake as Joe Worrall looks set for a loan switch
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