Leeds United ‘want a striker’ amid ‘very genuine’ interest in Joel Piroe transfer from Swansea City – Ben Jacobs
Leeds United have “very genuine” interest in Joel Piroe and “would like a striker” before the transfer window closes, according to Ben Jacobs.
But the CBS journalist said to GIVEMESPORT (13 August) that the Whites are “not guaranteed” to land a new goalscorer amid an “issue” with the price of the Swansea City forward, who has netted 46 goals in all competitions since moving to Wales at the start of the 2021/22 season.
The Dutchman is tipped to cost as much as £15million and has been linked to the likes of Everton, Southampton and Leicester City.
Jacobs said: “I think Leeds would like a striker. I think that they need a goalscorer to come in and make sure that they retain their firepower, but it’s not guaranteed.
“Joel Piroe has been the one that’s been linked from Swansea, but I think that price has always been a bit of an issue there, even though Leeds are very genuine.”
Numbers game
With the numbers Piroe has put up since arriving from PSV it is a wonder that the Swans got through the entire summer without a goal-shy Premier League side putting the requisite money on the table.
Were Leeds United in possession of the transfer budget that many had expected following relegation they surely could have paid the fee and not looked back.
But with Jack Harrison the latest a long line of first-team players who have exited Elland Road for little or no financial return Daniel Farke is straining to make signings or fill his match-day squad.
A proven scorer in the Championship would boost the rapidly dwindling hopes among the fanbase and Piroe is certainly that.
But unless, or until, the likes of Willy Gnonto or Tyler Adams are sold for an actual fee it might be beyond the club’s budget to land him.
The Swansea man has another two more goals already this season, albeit in against League One Northampton, so it is no wonder various clubs like him.
The transfer window is turning into a misery at Elland Road of late and landing a deal for a player like Piroe would help turn things around, but at this stage it looks a tricky one so may take further exits before a late push as the deadline approaches if a move is going to happen.
In other Leeds United news, another Premier League club is mooted to sign a key Whites player after a previous deal didn’t come through.