Swansea City bid update emerges on Joel Piroe after Leeds United transfer news
Swansea City manager Michael Duff has revealed that no bids have come in for striker Joel Piroe amid interest from Leeds United.
Speaking with Wales Online, Duff stated that despite speculation around the 23-year-old’s future, the Dutchman is still training well and has been “top drawer” and a credit to himself.
The former PSV forward reportedly does not wish to extend his contract, which has one year remaining, with interest from Leeds and Leicester City.
Duff said: “He’s been absolutely top-drawer. It’s [speculation] been everywhere. But we haven’t had a bid. He’s gone about his business absolutely unbelievably professionally because ultimately it’s his job to play for Swansea.
“He’s not come and knocked on the door saying he wants to leave. He’s not asked me what’s going on. He’s still asking me for information. It’s the first thing he says in the dressing room, ‘Where do you want me?’
“He’s been a credit to himself in the way he’s handled it. I’ve worked with players and played with players who when there’s any sniff of information they start looking down the road thinking ‘I wanna do this, I wanna do that’.
“He’s not done that once. So credit to him. Until it gets taken out of my hands, if it gets taken out of my hands, then we’ll keep working with him.”
Professional
Piroe’s 20-goal for Swansea last season was always going to mean other clubs would sniff around for his signature in the summer.
At just 23, he could be a long-term asset for any side but looks to remain in the Championship next season with freshly-relegated sides Leeds and Leicester linked.
Duff’s comments show that Piroe is not just a quality player, but a professional who can avoid being affected by speculation and other clubs vying for his services.
Leeds need to get a prolific scorer if they are to achieve promotion at the first time of asking, with the likes of Patrick Bamford tipped to depart [Daily Mail] while top-scorer Rodrigo has already switched Yorkshire for Qatari side Al-Rayyan [Leeds].
Piore is an aggressive attacker but also does his fair share for the team. 2.40 progressive passes per 90 (82nd percentile) and 0.28 interceptions per 90 (75th percentile) [FBRef] show he can influence buildup play rather than just finishing chances off.
But would he work in the Farke system? The German will attempt to implement a possession-based system while relying on players to remain in position through various phases of play. This would ideally result in creating intelligent passing moves that put the ball in dangerous areas.
This is where Piroe could come into play. He scores a variety of goals, including penalties and long-range chances, and is adept as an in-the-box poacher.
Furthermore, he loves running at centre-backs and receiving the ball in tight areas, where he often converts even from outside the area. If Leeds can replicate Farke’s ideal style, Piroe could be the perfect Championship finisher for the club.
But time will tell, and with no bid reportedly made yet, it could be a long time for Leeds fans.
In other Leeds United news, the club are interested a 24-year-old left-back who is currently under the management of Leeds hero Marcelo Bielsa.