Some Leeds United supporters are posing debate about whether Leeds United should cash in this January
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
05:00, 07 Nov 2025
Joel Piroe
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Joel Piroe(Image: Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Joel Piroe has played 28 minutes of Premier League football since being substituted off against Arsenal on August 23.
In the pitch time he’s had in the league since then, he has managed to fire in three shots with one forcing a good save from Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. His only other shot on target came on the opening night against Everton when prodding at Jordan Pickford from close range.
But, aside from a dreadful showing against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup, that is pretty much his season so far. As a result, some supporters are wondering whether it is better to sell him on.
At the end of the day, Leeds United have maxed out their PSR limits and it is becoming clear that January reinforcements will be needed, so headspace is needed. Piroe is currently the third choice striker and was even left out of the squad against Fulham.
It’s a reality Piroe has had to get used to, whether he expected it or not. Daniel Farke still sees a role for him at the club, calling him the “best finisher” he’s ever worked with. This is someone who has worked with Marcus Thuram, so it is high praise.
Yet it is evident to everyone that Piroe does not fit the current mould that Farke wants from his strikers - bulky centre-forwards who can hold up the ball and win headers. That’s why Lukas Nmecha is always chosen first to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Piroe's style of play is a negative for the player himself given his lack of game time, but some - including Farke - might view it as giving Leeds more diversity. Right now, he is one of few players who can play as a number 10.
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He also possesses good footwork and can come deep to help the transition to attack before bombing on. But in order for all of this to happen, a change of tactics and probably system is required, which seems unlikely.
All the same, the likelihood of Piroe leaving in January seems low. Leeds chiefs are placing confidence in their game-load management and medical staff to keep Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha on the pitch - but it is no secret that both have deep injury records.
Neither has yet missed a game through a setback but Calvert-Lewin came off with an issue against Brighton, Farke ambiguously revealed, and Nmecha has missed a few training sessions due to small knocks in the first few months.
While the chance of both strikers being sidelined is naturally not high, it’s not impossible. But even if one striker was ruled out, Piroe would become the back-up with it then becoming more important to protect the starting striker by limiting how many full games he plays.
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Leeds United forward Joel Piroe(Image: Getty Images)
This scenario would also mean Harry Gray, a 17-year-old who has barely had a touch in competitive senior football, would be the third natural pick - though Noah Okafor can lead the line too.
When it comes to January, United have a greater need for another winger or creative player. That has to be the priority and the PSR situation means that it is likely only one player comes in without an exit, which would still provoke the need to sell someone before June 30.
There is an argument to be had regarding a like-for-like swap with Piroe being offloaded and Leeds acquiring another replacement striker. But then it’s about finding a talent who is willing to play second fiddle behind Calvert-Lewin midway through a season.
It’s possible. Though at this stage, it’s not probable. The bottom line is that if Piroe is to be allowed to go, Leeds need to find a replacement, so a mere loan away will not do unless Leeds can find a replacement loanee - but even then, the parent club may look for a loan fee.
With 18 months left on his contract and aged 26, Piroe still has value. He’ll still have value in the summer, when more interest could circle. At the same time, if Leeds go down, he is the best proven striker option to have in the Championship.
The debate over Piroe will likely go on beyond this January. There are valid arguments on both sides but the risk Leeds took on their free striker signings this summer seem to add more weight to one end of the scales.
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