📝 Joel Piroe at Leeds United: The Striker Under Scrutiny Ahead of the Premier League Season
As Leeds United prepares to rejoin the Premier League for the 2025/26 season, one of the most pressing dilemmas at Elland Road revolves around the future of forward Joel Piroe. After playing a pivotal role during the club’s Championship promotion campaign, Piroe finds himself at a crossroads — caught between being a reliable goal scorer and a player whose style may not align with the demands of the English top flight.
The striker’s future remains uncertain as Leeds bolster their attacking options and explore additional signings. Will Piroe cement a place in the Premier League squad, reinvent himself tactically, or be moved on for a profit?
📌 Recap: Piroe’s 2024/25 Season at Leeds
Joel Piroe was a significant contributor in Leeds’ successful push for Premier League promotion. He featured in 35 league starts, primarily as the team’s central striker, although he occasionally played in a slightly deeper attacking role. His goal tally — while not record-breaking — was solid, and his finishing ability was often the difference in tight games.
However, beneath the surface of his goal contributions, there were tactical limitations. As Leeds faced low blocks and physical battles in the Championship, Piroe’s struggles with pressing intensity, hold-up play, and physical duels became more apparent. These concerns — while manageable in the second tier — are likely to be magnified in the Premier League, where intensity, pace, and adaptability are non-negotiable.
🧠 Player Profile: Joel Piroe’s Strengths and Weaknesses
✅ Strengths
Composure in front of goal: Piroe is a natural finisher, particularly with his first-time shots and low-driven efforts.
Intelligent movement: Finds space between defenders and drifts into dangerous zones with clever off-ball runs.
Versatility: Can play as a central striker, second striker, or even in an attacking midfield role.
Technical ability: Comfortable with the ball at his feet, especially in tight spaces.
❌ Weaknesses
Lacks physical presence: Struggles to pin defenders or shield the ball under pressure.
Limited aerial threat: Not dominant in the air, which restricts Leeds’ ability to go direct.
Minimal pressing intensity: Doesn’t always lead the press with urgency — something critical in modern Premier League systems.
Inconsistent hold-up play: Often fails to link midfield and attack effectively, especially when Leeds play in transition.
In short, Piroe excels in a team that creates chances in and around the box — but struggles when asked to do the dirty work of a traditional number nine.
🔁 The Striker Logjam: Competition Intensifies
With Leeds United already welcoming Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg and continuing to pursue more striking options, Piroe’s place in the pecking order is under serious threat. Here’s a breakdown of the competitors around him:
🧍♂️ Patrick Bamford
Now a seasoned veteran, Bamford is still loved by sections of the fanbase but is no longer the player he was in 2020–21.
Offers more hold-up play and movement than Piroe, but his fitness issues and declining pace raise questions about his viability in the top flight.
👶 Mateo Joseph
The youngest of the group but full of potential.
His energy, pressing, and athleticism make him a useful Premier League squad player.
Leeds may use him as a bench option, but he is expected to get more minutes this season.
✍️ Lukas Nmecha
Signed on a free transfer but arguably the most exciting of the lot — if fit.
Tall, mobile, strong in duels, and able to lead the line in a lone striker role.
His injury record is a red flag, but tactically, he’s probably the closest match to what Farke wants from a Premier League striker.
➕ More to Come?
Leeds have been linked with another striker signing, suggesting the club doesn’t view the current group as enough.
If that materializes, Piroe could become the fourth-choice striker — a scenario that makes his position unsustainable at a Premier League club.
🔄 Piroe’s Transfer Status: Sell or Stay?
Given the PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) and Leeds’ need to balance the books, Joel Piroe represents a valuable financial asset:
He was signed from Swansea City in 2023, and with most of his transfer fee amortized, any sale would be logged as pure profit.
Clubs like PSV Eindhoven are reportedly interested — a move that could benefit all parties.
A sale would allow Leeds to reinvest in a striker who more closely fits the Premier League mold.
Still, there’s an argument that Leeds should keep Piroe as an impact substitute or a situational attacker, especially in home games against teams that give space in behind.
💬 What Are Leeds Fans Saying?
Fan reaction to Piroe’s Premier League future is mixed, with some surprisingly optimistic views:
“I actually think the Prem will suit him… more space, more opportunities.”
“Think it will suit him more imo. Doesn’t have to fight 3 CBs every game.”
“For some reason I think he’ll do really well…”
“The boy can finish. If he knuckles down, no telling how many he could score.”
These supporters point to a key idea: the Premier League, though faster, might offer more openness, allowing technically sound players like Piroe to thrive. Championship defenders often sit deep and defend with numbers — but Premier League matches can be more expansive, which could benefit a poacher like him.
However, other fans are less convinced, citing his lack of physical attributes and limited work rate off the ball.
🔮 Possible Roles for Piroe in 2025/26
If Piroe remains at Elland Road, there are several ways Farke could use him:
1️⃣ Impact Sub
Brought on in the last 20-30 minutes to finish off moves or exploit tired defences.
Would need to accept reduced minutes but could still play a decisive role.
2️⃣ Second-Striker / Attacking Midfield Role
Could partner a more physical striker like Nmecha in a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2.
Might work as a deep-lying forward who arrives late in the box rather than holds the ball up.
3️⃣ Domestic Cup / Squad Rotation Player
Starts in League Cup or FA Cup matches, resting first-choice strikers.
Gets Premier League appearances as part of rotation, especially during fixture congestion.
4️⃣ Sale to Europe
A move to PSV or another Eredivisie club would suit Piroe’s strengths: technical play, combination football, and space in behind.
Could rejuvenate his career and help Leeds free up a non-homegrown spot in the squad.
⚖️ The Verdict: Should Leeds Stick or Twist?
Pros of Keeping Piroe:
Goal scorer with good instincts.
May benefit from more space in Premier League matches.
Provides tactical flexibility as a second striker or in rotated squads.
Cons of Keeping Piroe:
Doesn’t match the physical and athletic profile of a Premier League centre-forward.
Could be unhappy with a diminished role.
Club might prefer to sell for pure profit and reinvest.
Ultimately, Piroe’s Leeds future depends on two things:
- Preseason performance — He must show he can adapt physically and tactically to what the Premier League demands.
- Transfer activity — If another striker is signed, Leeds may no longer have room for a player like Piroe.
📅 The Next Few Weeks Are Crucial
Leeds return to preseason shortly, and Piroe will have a limited window to impress Daniel Farke and the coaching staff. With the competition heating up and the club seeking reinforcements, every session and friendly match will matter. If he seizes his opportunity, Piroe could still have a role to play in the Premier League. If not, a transfer could follow — and no one could say it would be a surprise.