The chances of Joel Piroe remaining at Leeds United in the January transfer window have been assessed as his exile from the first team continues.
Joel Piroe was Leeds United’s leading goalscorer last season, as they claimed the Championship title, and he scored 19 goals in the process.
However, Piroe has fallen out of favour under Daniel Farke this season, finding his playing time limited following Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League.
Farke has trusted Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lead the line since his arrival at the club, and the former Everton man has impressed, despite a lack of goals.
This has led to a frustrating period for Piroe, who has been restricted to a series of cameo appearances from the bench, leading to some speculation that he could leave Leeds in January.
Now, the chances of Piroe leaving Elland Road have been assessed by Athletic journalist Beren Cross, who believes he is still likely to remain at Leeds.
Joel Piroe in action for Leeds United during a Premier League clash against Everton
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Joel Piroe’s Leeds United future assessed
Writing in The Athletic, Cross explained why he believes Piroe is unlikely to leave in the January transfer window.
According to Cross, due to Lukas Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin’s recent struggles with injuries, and Leeds’ lack of other options in attack, Piroe will only be allowed to leave in exceptional circumstances.
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“Barring injuries to Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, Piroe is going to have to make do with cameos from the bench for the foreseeable future,” Cross said.
“I cannot see United sanctioning his exit unless they are substantially clear of the bottom three, or if his departure would facilitate the arrival of a difference-making alternative in attack.
“Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha’s injury records mean it’s hard to see how Piroe won’t be needed.”
Joel Piroe in action against Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Stats show how Piroe’s Premier League minutes have dropped off
Piroe looked set to lead the line this season as he started Leeds’ first two Premier League games, which saw them win against Everton before falling to a defeat at Arsenal.
The Dutch forward also led the line in the EFL Cup defeat against Sheffield Wednesday, as Calvert-Lewin was introduced from the bench to make his debut for the club.
Joel Piroe’s lack of Leeds United minutes:
Leeds 0-0 Newcastle – 0 minutes played
Wolves 1-3 Leeds – 0 minutes played
Leeds 2-2 Bournemouth – 0 minutes played
Leeds 1-2 Tottenham – 11 minutes played
Burnley 2-0 Leeds – 17 minutes played
West Ham 2-1 Leeds – 0 minutes played
Since then, Piroe has seen his minutes drop off dramatically under Farke. According to FotMob, the centre forward has played just 28 minutes since then, as he was omitted from the squad entirely for Leeds’ win over Wolves.
At 26 years old, Piroe is now entering the best years of his career. With his playing time at Leeds limited, he may be forced to look elsewhere in the summer if Farke is not willing to let him leave in January.