Joel Piroe now on verge of Leeds loan exit as things ‘get crazier by the minute’
Joel Piroe’s late winter market exit from Leeds United is taking more twists and turns.
The Whites are prepared to let the Dutchman leave Elland Road in the coming days, but the whole situation is sure to cause Daniel Farke some stress.
Initially, Piroe didn’t want to leave Leeds as the forward turned down multiple Championship clubs, with the belief that he could still have an impact at Elland Road.
But the Whites’ pursuit of Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen has shown that the number nine may not be in Farke’s thinking anymore.
However, Rangers’ interest in Piroe may have changed the whole situation, as things are “getting crazier by the minute”.
Rangers close to landing loan signing of Joel Piroe
Rangers want to sign Piroe on a loan deal until the end of the season, as the Scottish club faces their own striker debacle.
The Gers want to sign Hansa Rostock’s Ryan Naderi, with the player also wanting a switch to Ibrox, but the German side’s stance on a sale is now having a direct impact on Leeds.
According to journalist Niclas Borner on X, Rangers have yet to strike an agreement over the transfer of Naderi, and are now close to signing Piroe on loan instead.
The transfer saga is ongoing with Naderi now offering to stay with Hansa Rostock until the end of the season on loan if his own transfer goes through, which would heighten Rangers’ need for Piroe.
But the 49ers could be making a season-defining decision by letting the 26-year-old leave on loan.
- Read more: Jaka Bijol exit could be on at Leeds United as multi-time Champions League winners circle
Here’s why Piroe’s permanent sale is needed over a loan exit
Leeds were outbid by Crystal Palace for Strand Larsen, as the Whites’ £30million offer reportedly fell short of Wolves’ valuation.
Wolves had seemingly agreed on a £50million package sale, but as of Thursday, there were late reports that Palace were stalling to complete the deal.
As highlighted by Sofascore, there is still high demand for the striker, despite his poor form this season.
The Norwegian is clearly the Whites’ number one target to freshen things up top for Farke, but as things stand, Leeds don’t have the money for the 25-year-old, even if Palace walk away from the deal.
That’s because the 49ers would need to depend on a Piroe sale to access additional funds that would help them reach Wolves’ asking price.
A loan departure isn’t good enough, and it could ultimately cost Leeds in their fight for Premier League survival.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.