The numbers tell one side of the story for Joel Piroe. 19 goals. Four ***** ists. 45 appearances. Top scorer in the Championship in 2024/25 and the main engine behind getting Leeds United back to the big time. Yet, stroll around West Yorkshire right now, and you quickly realise statistics mean precious little when a manager's mind is made up that he is a low-priority man. Daniel Farke wants a new leading man. Simple as that.
Farke wants a traditional centre-forward to hold up the ball, bully centre-backs, and trigger the team's pressing system off the ball. They have Dominic Calvert-Lewin for that. That leaves Joel Piroe in a tough spot.
Despite doing everything asked of him last season, the 26-year-old Dutchman finds himself pushed right to the edge of the first-team picture. Farke clearly harbours doubts about whether Piroe has the raw pace, athletic engine, and mobility required to lead the line in the top flight.
With just 12 months remaining on his contract at Elland Road, the hierarchy seems open to business. A cut-price departure before deadline day is now a genuine possibility, with Birmingham City already keeping close tabs on the situation.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – MARCH 03: Joel Piroe of Leeds United reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Sunderland at Elland Road on March 03, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
#engine
Farke wants a traditional centre-forward to hold up the ball, bully centre-backs, and trigger the team's pressing system off the ball. They have Dominic Calvert-Lewin for that. That leaves Joel Piroe in a tough spot.
Despite doing everything asked of him last season, the 26-year-old Dutchman finds himself pushed right to the edge of the first-team picture. Farke clearly harbours doubts about whether Piroe has the raw pace, athletic engine, and mobility required to lead the line in the top flight.
With just 12 months remaining on his contract at Elland Road, the hierarchy seems open to business. A cut-price departure before deadline day is now a genuine possibility, with Birmingham City already keeping close tabs on the situation.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – MARCH 03: Joel Piroe of Leeds United reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Sunderland at Elland Road on March 03, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
#engine
3 months ago
