Daniel Farke raves about ‘world-class’ Leeds player who could yet leave in January
Daniel Farke has offered his clearest indication yet over whether Joel Piroe will be allowed to leave Leeds United in January.
Farke has shown a lack of faith in Piroe since Leeds were promoted back to the Premier League, with the Dutchman starting just twice so far.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s superb form for Leeds has certainly not helped Piroe‘s cause for more regular action.
That has led to inevitable talk that Piroe could leave Leeds as early as January, but that may not be the case.
Joel Piroe still part of Daniel Farke’s Leeds plans
Piroe has been afforded just 197 minutes of action in the Premier League – the equivalent of a little over two full matches – which he will of course not be happy about.
That is despite the 26-year-old scoring 19 goals for Leeds last season to bring top-tier football back to Elland Road.
Farke admitted at his pre-Crystal Palace press conference on Thursday that Piroe will not be happy, as is the case with any player not being used.
However, the German made clear that Piroe remains part of his plans as he was asked directly about the forward.
“His finishing is world-class,” Farke told reporters. “He’s such a great character. We are a promoted side and we have to play to the strength of our players.
“His finishing skills at this level are outstanding. When we are dominant or need a goal, I’m sure I can pick him because he’s outstanding in these terms.
“When we’re not dominant in the game, sometimes you need more pace or physicality. Right now, there are not many games when we can be dominant. But he’s still definitely in my plans.”
Farke also confirmed no Leeds players have asked to leave in January.
While Piroe may question his lack of minutes given his “outstanding” qualities, Farke does have a point with what he’s saying.
There will come a point in the season, though, that Piroe is called upon to play a more prominent role up top.
Once that arrives, it is down to the former Swansea City player to ensure he grabs the opportunity with both hands.
What else did Farke say about January transfers at Leeds?
The January transfer window opens for business in less than two weeks’ time, meaning Farke was inevitably asked about any potential business.
“I don’t want to speak too much about January, but it is a difficult market,” Farke said. “There’s just a limited number of players available.
| Joel Piroe | All comps 2025-26 |
| Games played | 9 |
| Games started | 3 |
| Minutes | 318 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Asissts | 0 |
“If you sign in the summer, you have whole of pre-season to prepare.
“January is difficult because a player is a problem who has an injury or not much game time – or you have to spend a lot. You need many things come to together.“
What Farke says is true, but Leeds fans are desperate for one or two new signings to be made next month.
Buoyed by Calvert-Lewin’s form, Leeds’ goalscoring problems have become far less of an issue of late. But they cannot afford to be lured into a false sense of security.
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