Joel Piroe exit dilemma threatens Leeds United’s club-record plans as 49ers plot solution
Leeds United need to find a solution for what to do with Joel Piroe.
Daniel Farke wants a new striker in the transfer window, and so far, the Whites have only signed attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton.
The 49ers are aware that they face an uphill battle with financial constraints this window, which would explain why Leeds are yet to spend money on any further confirmed arrivals.
Piroe has turned down interest from Championship clubs in recent days and revealed his ambition to fight for his place at Elland Road – but his sale is needed.
Leeds have had a bid rejected for Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen, and the Whites may only meet the striker’s valuation through Piroe‘s LS11 exit.
Leeds currently £10m off Jorgen Strand Larsen valuation
As per TEAMtalk’s James Marshment on X, Leeds want to conclude what would be a club-record fee of £40million for Strand Larsen.
The amount would be a significant investment from the 49ers, and it’d be hard to see Paraag Marathe and Co. splashing money on other targets if a deal were wrapped up.
The club are willing to back Farke to get his main target in Strand Larsen, but to do so, they may have to have an uncomfortable conversation with Piroe
- Leeds’ current club-record transfer fee is Georginio Rutter at £36m
- The Whites have to remain within PSR limits this window
- Piroe’s transfer value is thought to be around £13m
According to journalist Ben Jacobs on X this Friday, Leeds’ offer for Strand Larsen was £30million with add-ons.
Wolves have made their asking price clear all along, and it feels like the Whites may not have the capacity to pull the transfer off right now.
This is where Piroe comes into play. His departure would be emotional, but it’s needed for the greater good at the end of the day.
Why Joel Piroe would be mad to stay at Leeds if Strand Larsen signs
The move for Strand Larsen may be controversial in the first place, given Leeds’ current success at the top end of the field.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on fire, and Lukas Nmecha proved that his previous form in front of goal wasn’t a purple patch, scoring the late winner against Fulham last time out in the league.
Piroe hasn’t been getting game time, and he not only faces competition for a starting spot with Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha, but also Noah Okafor, who Farke started with versus Fulham.
Adding Strand Larsen to the mix will only dampen the Dutchman’s playing chances, as there’s no way a £40m man will come to Elland Road to sit on the bench.
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