Joel Piroe contract news emerges amid Leeds United injury crisis following approach for Swansea City striker
Leeds United appear set to be hit by a further blow on top of their injury crisis at striker as contract news at Swansea City has now emerged.
Daniel Farke confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday (4 August) that Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter and Mateo Joseph were all ruled out of multiple matches ahead the Championship opener against Cardiff City on Sunday, in a situation Leeds Live’s Beren Cross branded “staggering” after a summer of extensive upheaval.
The Whites already needed a forward during the transfer window, with Rodrigo having left for Qatar, and Bamford, as ever, the only senior number nine in the squad.
Joel Piroe had emerged as a target at Elland Road, with an approach already made for information on a potential move for the Dutchman.
The 24-year-old was tipped to cost £15m despite only having a year left on his contract, but after the Swans signed Jerry Yates from Blackpool he was expected to “certainly” be moving on this summer.
However, according to Tutto Mercato Web on Friday Piroe is now “ready” to sign a contract extension with the Welsh club, amid interest from the likes of Serie A’s Salernitana and relegated Championship rivals Southampton and Leicester City.
The former PSV Eindhoven man has scored 41 goals in the second tier since arriving from the Netherlands two years ago and appeared an ideal option to help lift the burden on Bamford at Elland Road.
But whether him signing a new deal at Swansea is with a view to remain at the club for the long-term or just to protect this transfer value it likely rules him out for Leeds United.
The Whites were already struggling to complete business this summer thanks to not receiving the expected windfall from the slew of departures that everyone knew were coming after relegation, as release clauses have allowed numerous first-team players to leave on loan with only minimal fees attached.
So if the £15m price for Piroe is sure to shoot up with an extended deal, the proven scorer is bound to be out of the Whites’ reach to land a further blow amid the mounting injuries at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are set to announce a third signing “imminently” after the player was spotted at Elland Road.