Joel Piroe exit latest as interest grows after Leeds United struggles vs Derby
Joel Piroe is currently well down the pecking order under Daniel Farke, with his long-term future at Leeds United in doubt.
The 26-year-old has started just two Premier League games this season for the Whites, and is yet to find the back of the net across all competitions.
Piroe was given 89 minutes on Sunday afternoon as Leeds beat Derby County 3-1 at Pride Park in the FA Cup Third Round.
However, the forward did little to convince Farke that he deserves more game time, missing a penalty, and transfer interest in the former Swansea City man is now growing.
Joel Piroe makes Leeds exit decision
Piroe has been linked with a Leeds exit over recent months as his importance to Farke continues to decrease.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor, Brenden Aaronson, and Willy Gnonto all preferred in the new system, last season’s Championship top scorer hasn’t been getting a look in.
However, according to The Athletic, Piroe is not currently expected to leave Leeds this month, despite interest in his services growing from around Europe and England.
Farke is happy with his current squad and believes the Dutch-born striker, who is set to play for Suriname in the World Cup play-offs, still has a role to play for the Whites.
Leeds will consider any offers they receive for Piroe, but the conditions would have to suit the centre-forward, who is currently intent on remaining at Elland Road.
Joel Piroe struggles again vs Derby
Leeds were awarded a first-half penalty against Derby when Nmecha was brought down in the box, giving Piroe a chance to open the scoring and bag his first goal of the season.
However, the 26-year-old saw his spot-kick saved by Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, with Ben Brereton Diaz adding salt to the wound by putting the hosts in front just minutes later.
Farke’s side did mount a second-half comeback, but Piroe still couldn’t manage to get himself on the scoresheet, despite having several chances to do so.
It seems that he will be staying at Leeds for the second half of the season, but he will need to rediscover his goalscoring touch to get more minutes in the Premier League.