Joel Piroe looks in the direction of Paraag Marathe with a concerned look. Marathe looks back with a serious look.
Credit: Imago
Jacob Raw
Wed 5 November 2025 10:10, UK
Leeds United are bracing for a financial battle in January if they are to secure new transfers, and Joel Piroe could be a victim of that.
Piroe has struggled for game time in the Premier League, as there were always concerns over the Dutchman’s ability to make the step up from the Championship.
Daniel Farke favours Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Leeds‘ number nine at Elland Road, as Piroe hasn’t started for the Whites since August.
In January, Leeds may not be allowed to spend any more than they sell, with all signs now possibly pointing towards Piroe’s exit, as Paraag Marathe looks to balance the books.
Leeds United star Joel Piroe arrives at a game with a pair of headphones on.
Credit: Imago
Leeds need to sell in January as Joel Piroe exit makes sense
Leeds are in a relegation battle, and the last thing fans wanted to hear is that they can’t afford to spend more money without selling some of their star players first.
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Piroe was one of the best players in the Championship for Leeds last season, and if made available for transfer, the Whites wouldn’t have a hard time selling him.
Piroe played 46 games in the Championship’s 2024-25 campaign
He scored 16 goals and grabbed seven assists
Joel Piroe’s value is £15.8m
According to Transfermarkt, Piroe’s value is said to be £15.8m. If Leeds were able to sell Piroe for this price or even more, a deal would be a no-brainer.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe smiling
Credit: Imago
The Whites have key players like Dan James, Joe Rodon, and Ethan Ampadu, who they simply cannot afford to sell, as £15m could be a defining fee that could save Leeds’ season.
Who has Piroe been linked with before?
Piroe has had an up-and-down time at Leeds, with concerns mainly in his first season at the club during the 2023-24 campaign.
Due to this, Piroe has been linked away from Elland Road in the past, and now, with him possibly being sold in January, clubs could come sniffing around for his signature once again.
Earlier in 2025, Piroe was linked with a move back to the Eredivisie, but his wages stood as an issue.
Sheffield United are currently struggling at the bottom of the Championship, as Leeds offered Piroe in a swap plus cash deal for Gustavo Hamer in 2024, and could try to strike a similar deal in January.
Piroe seems destined for a move away at this moment in time, as it would be no surprise to see the striker depart LS11 in the upcoming January window.
It could just help Leeds survive.
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