Daniel Farke’s latest move could cost Leeds United their Premier League status
Leeds United are on track to survive Premier League relegation and avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Daniel Farke has masterminded a complete turnaround at Elland Road, taking his side on a run of seven consecutive games without defeat to move eight points clear of the bottom three.
Leeds were beaten 4-3 by Newcastle United to bring their unbeaten streak to an end, but it was another positive performance at St James’ Park.
Off the back of their recent good form, the Whites are set for a quieter January transfer window, with very few exits or incomings.
Joel Piroe set to stay at Leeds
Joel Piroe is one of the players linked with a move away from Leeds this month, as he drops further down the pecking order under Farke.
Piroe was the Championship Golden Boot winner last term, scoring 19 goals as the Whites won the title with 100 points, but he has struggled for game time this season.
The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson, Lukas Nmecha, and Noah Okafor have all been preferred in a front two, leaving the former Swansea City man limited minutes to impress.
However, Leeds are not expected to push Piroe out the door in January, instead leaving it up to the forward to decide about his future.
The Dutch born striker, who is now representing Suriname on the international stage, reportedly wants to stay at Elland Road and fight for his place.
Leeds must move on from Joel Piroe
Piroe has still not found the net this season in 12 appearances across all competitions, and it is clear that Farke has better options.
If Leeds sell the forward now, then they could potentially replace him with someone better, and continue evolving the squad.
However, it seems like they will just stick with what they’ve got, and wait until the summer to make any improvements.
Leeds are very unlikely to go down this season, eight points clear of West Ham in 18th, but they are surely destined for relegation at some point if they fail to sell players at the right time.
This window provides the perfect opportunity for the Whites to move on from Piroe as, despite being their talisman just last season, better options are now available.
Farke must ensure that he doesn’t hold onto the past, and helps set Leeds up for many years in the top-flight by selling players when it is required.