Joel Piroe transfer: Leeds United exit verdict emerges after ‘mistake’ claim
Leeds United have relied on Joel Piroe this season, and it remains to be seen whether a transfer back to the Netherlands is on the cards.
The Whites signed the Dutch national from Swansea in 2023, but he started his career at PSV Eindhoven.
Piroe has become a key player for Daniel Farke in the current campaign, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see clubs from abroad wanting to sign him in the coming months.
The German manager will undoubtedly want the 25-year-old to stay at Elland Road once Premier League promotion is achieved, and it seems like the Whites won’t have to worry about interest from the Eredivisie.
Piroe transfer to Eredivisie from Leeds unlikely
Piroe could potentially not attract interest from the Eredivisie as things stand, Valentijn Driessen says.
The Telegraaf journalist believes that apart from PSV, Feyenoord and Ajax, no other teams in the Netherlands could afford the striker’s salary.
Driessen feels that while the top three teams in Holland could afford the 25-year-old, he wouldn’t be able to make it back in the Dutch league, and PSV were right to sell him.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 41 | 15 | 6 |
Speaking on De Telegraaf’s Kick-Off podcast, the journalist said: “You can bring (Piroe, Flemming and Hamer) back to the Eredivisie. But apart from Feyenoord, Ajax and PSV, no club pays the salaries that are paid there.
“In terms of sporting challenge, they could go to the Netherlands. But I don’t know if these guys will make it at Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord. They actually all come from those clubs.
“Hamer was at Feyenoord. Piroe came from PSV. Flemming from Ajax. I don’t think those clubs made a mistake by letting those guys go. They’re now three or four years further on, and they’re still in the Championship, not the Premier League.”
Farke to want Piroe upgrade after Premier League promotion
Since signing from Swansea, Piroe has been impressive at Elland Road, turning into the Whites’ go-to number nine this season.
While the 25-year-old has been a reliable goalscorer in the Championship, the West Yorkshire outfit should sign a natural striker once they get into the Premier League.
There’s no denying the Dutch centre-forward’s qualities, but he may be unable to cope with the demands of the English top-flight as a striker and could potentially be better suited to play as a number 10.
Leeds take on Preston North End on Saturday (12 April) and will look to retain the top spot from Burnley.
Farke’s future will arguably depend on whether the West Yorkshire outfit can return to the Premier League, and failure to do so may result in his dismissal.
The German manager has heavily relied on Piroe to consistently find the back of the net, with Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford nowhere near good enough.
Supporters won’t be bothered by the Dutch forward apparently not being good enough for the Eredivisie; they’re happy with him.
The 25-year-old centre-forward has developed admirably at Elland Road, and fans will hope he continues to improve.