Leeds United look set to bring in at least one more new striker this summer, and it could be a striker who Daniel Farke has already worked with in the past.
Joel Piroe seems to have a lot of pressure riding on his shoulders going into next season. The Leeds United striker won the Golden Boot last season with 19 Championship goals, leapfrogging to the top after scoring four in the 6-0 win over Stoke City during the run-in.
Ahead of next season, Piroe has revealed he’s excited to play in the Premier League and determined to prove any doubters that he can provide in the top flight, having been one of the Championship’s most prolific strikers in the last few years.
So far this summer Leeds United have signed four new players. But only one of them has been an attacking player: Lukas Nmecha who Leeds have signed on a free transfer after he was let go by Wolfsburg.
Right now, Leeds United are linked with several strikers including the likes of Dominic Calvert, Lewin, Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy, who are all free agents as well. Another linked is Josh Sargent.
Josh Sargent celebrates as he scores for Norwich against Derby.
Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Leeds United pushing to sign Josh Sargent from Norwich City
Farke has been linked with a reunion with Sargent for some time now. Throughout last season, Leeds United were credited with an interest in Sargent who enjoyed a prolific session in the Championship, scoring 15 and assisting five more in 32 league games for Norwich City.
But Burnley are also interested in the USMNT man. It’s understood that Norwich City will sell Sargent for £16million this summer, and transfer expert Graeme Bailey has sung Sargent’s praises, also failing to rule Leeds out of the race for the 25-year-old’s signature.
Bailey told Leeds United News: “Burnley are in for him. Whoever gets him is getting a bargain. He was so good. He’s so much so much better than he was [before]. I wouldn’t rule Leeds out of it.”
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Leeds United fans may have been too quick to judge Josh Sargent
Sargent’s links are nothing new. He’s been mentioned alongside Elland Road for some time now, and all along, Leeds United fans have expressed concern about Sargent joining the club, especially at what would be a significant £16million fee.
But Bailey’s praise for the striker, and his undeniable form last season suggests that he’s now ready to tackle the Premier League this time round: as is Farke after his previous struggles in the top flight.
Stat (league) Sargent in 24/25 Piroe in 24/25
Starts 28 36
Mins PG 167 163
Goals 15 19
Goals PG 0.5 0.4
Total shots PG 2 2.2
Shots on target PG 0.9 0.9
Big chances missed PG 16 13
Goal conversion % 23 19
Last season, Sargent averaged more goals-per-game than Piroe, who himself was quite heavily criticised by Leeds fans at times, boasting a higher goal conversion %, as well as five assists compared to Piroe’s seven, despite making eight less starts.
Both strikers proved their worth in the Championship last season and both have Premier League potential. Leeds United fans may be eager for someone with already-proven Premier League quality to arrive this summer, but given how many new players the club needs, signing that kind of striker might not yet be possible.