Joel Piroe the cause of Leeds transfer discontent at Elland Road – here’s why
Leeds United may scowl in the direction of Joel Piroe as their winter market business comes to an underwhelmingly quiet close.
The Whites were able to seal the loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton, who will no doubt have a positive effect for Daniel Farke‘s side from now until the end of the season.
However, the Argentine comes as Leeds‘ only piece of business for the first team, despite them being firmly among a relegation scrap.
Piroe had the chance to leave Elland Road, but didn’t want to go, and now the Whites could rue several missed opportunities in the market.
Leeds denied transfer chances because of Joel Piroe
Leeds were always going to be limited in spending money over recent weeks, and that proved to be the case.
There was an internal belief that sales needed to be made to raise funds, as the 49ers fell short in their attempts to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves.
However, Piroe‘s potential exit was the most important.
- Piroe has started just four times for the Whites this season
- He has yet to score a goal
- Piroe is far down Farke’s pecking order of strikers
As reported by Leeds Live on Monday, the Whites knew that Piroe simply had to leave if they were going to spend any money.
The Dutchman rejected multiple approaches from Championship clubs and sides abroad due to his ambition to stay and fight for a place at LS11.
As highlighted by Sofascore, Piroe averages a low 6.31 average rating across all competitions, and hasn’t done himself many favours for a chance of breaking into Farke’s team.
Hence why there will be Elland Road frustration over a lack of transfer movement, especially on deadline day, when game-changing players can become available.
Why Piroe now faces even greater task at Leeds United
Piroe is out of form and has been unable to make the transition to the Premier League. In the Championship, there was no doubt about it; he was lethal, but he hasn’t be able to take his momentum from last campaign into this term.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has hit a bit of a rough patch in front of goal, but Farke will most likely persist with his favoured striker, with Lukas Nmecha also a key player for the German boss.
Even when Nmecha was injured, Farke decided to play the likes of Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson either beside or behind Calvert-Lewin, as Piroe watched on while warming the bench.
So the chances of the forward having an impact all of a sudden in this crunch second half of the season are slim.
Understandably, he wanted to stay and fight for his place, but the logistics of it never looked good for the former Swansea man.
Now, Leeds could suffer through a lack of activity in the market, all because Piroe wouldn’t leave.
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.