Joel Piroe in action for Leeds, Leeds manager Daniel Farke
Credit: Imago
Niall Togher
Thu 4 September 2025 7:10, UK
Leeds United went out on a whimper in terms of their transfer business.
Lucas Perri, Anton Stach and Jaka Bijol all look to be upgrades on what Leeds had and will likely play a huge part for the remainder of Leeds’ Premier League campaign.
Leeds’ managing director Robbie Evans confirmed that the club maxed out their PSR over the summer.
In order to afford new marquee signings, notable sales of members of the squad would have had to be made.
The fact that no notable members of the squad were sold showcases the poor planning from under-pressure sporting director Adam Underwood and Co.
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So instead, we at MOT Leeds News highlight three players the Whites should have sold this summer.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe
Credit: Imago
Selling Joel Piroe would have been wise
Whilst many would have been screaming for the likes of Brenden Aaronson or Ilia Gruev to be sold, it is unclear whether their sales would’ve raised enough funds.
Enter Piroe.
Coming off the back of his golden boot-winning campaign, Leeds should have been shrewd and sold the Dutchman whilst his stock was high.
In the Championship, we saw the 26-year-old fail to be able to lead the line effectively with his back to goal, so what did the 49ers and Farke think was going to happen in the Premier League?
Predictably, Piroe was poor against both Everton and Arsenal and already looks to have lost his place in the starting XI.
United would’ve been able to fetch a handsome fee for a Piroe fresh off the back of his 19-goal Championship campaign, but now his value will surely plummet after a disappointing season in the top flight.
Leeds should’ve cut ties with Jack Harrison
It’s a topic that’s been spoken about to death, but the fact that Harrison has been reintegrated into the Leeds squad shows the naivety and lack of ambition from those in charge.
Farke is a fan of Harrison being a more defensive-minded winger
The winger has made two Premier League appearances off the bench this season
Harrison has yet to publicly address the fans after returning from his second loan spell away at Everton
Farke is also partially to blame for this situation because if he had utilised Largie Ramazani correctly, the Belgian wouldn’t have had to move to Valencia on loan, and Harrison could’ve been sold instead.
Instead, we have already seen Farke attempt to convert Harrison into a makeshift left-back at points this season, and surely the 49ers think Harrison’s spot in the squad is a waste compared to even renewing Junior Firpo’s contract instead of allowing him to leave.
Harrison is a player who has already left the club twice, so the 49ers cannot be surprised if he attempts to force a move again in the event of relegation.
Jack Harrison in pre-season
Credit: Imago
Illan Meslier to rot in the reserves after not being sold
The fact that Meslier was not sold during the window is unjustifiable incompetence from the Leeds United hierarchy.
Along with the fact that his performances have been poor for the last three seasons, Farke publicly stated that the Frenchman was effectively the club’s fourth-choice goalkeeper in pre-season.
Farke has no intention to use Meslier and rightly so, but the fact that the player is still on the books is a huge blunder that could’ve helped ease the PSR restraints put on the Whites.
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