Joel Piroe, Daniel Farke
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Thu 7 August 2025 14:10, UK
Leeds United’s recruitment of a new striker could be the determining factor in whether or not the Whites avoid the drop next season.
Despite neither player being good enough to play for United in the Premier League, the imminent departures of Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph have left Daniel Farke extremely short of options in the number nine position.
The last time Leeds were in the Premier League, Dan James was forced to lead the line as a makeshift centre forward on many occasions, and the 49ers cannot afford to let something like this happen again.
Joel Piroe has been fantastic so far in pre-season, but the 49ers cannot be deceived by this, and a new striker must be the most prioritised addition to Farke’s squad between now and the end of the window.
Joel Piroe in action for Leeds United
Piroe has been superb for Leeds in pre-season(Credit: Imago)
Leeds currently lack quality up top to compete in the Premier League
Lukas Nmecha has been brought in on a free in the summer from Wolfsburg to add depth up top, but with all due respect, he is not the answer to Leeds’ striker issues.
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Since arriving from Swansea in 2023, Piroe’s goal record on paper has been solid, perhaps leading to some confusion from rival supporters about why United fans keep crying out for a new striker.
Piroe’s goal tallies for Leeds in the Championship:
19 goals in 46 appearances – 2024/25 season
13 goals in 45 appearances – 2023/24 season
The Dutchman has undoubtedly improved since he arrived in West Yorkshire, but the holes in his game are too gaping for him to be solely relied upon by Farke next season.
Piroe is poor with his back to goal, and whilst displaying quality finishing abilities, his lack of athleticism and poor ability to hold the ball up and win duels mean it’s like Leeds are playing 10 men on the pitch at times.
In and around the box, Piroe has good technique when it comes to his final ball, and he will undoubtedly still have a massive role to play next season, but the 49ers cannot afford for him to be Farke’s first-choice option.
If Leeds want to have any chance of staying up, they must sign a player who is proven to be able to outperform his expected goals and be clinical like Piroe, but whilst also having the physicality and hold-up play required to cut it in the top flight.
Daniel Farke
Farke will be keen to sign another striker this summer (Credit: Imago)
49ers must land a marquee addition
The 49ers seem to be smashing their head against the same wall when it comes to their pursuit of Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, and with the opening game against Everton taking place on 18 August, the Whites need to get a move on in the window.
It is already far from ideal that Leeds’ new striker, if one is eventually brought in, will likely have missed all of the Whites’ pre-season fixtures, as Farke cannot afford for his new arrivals not to hit the ground running.
Chances are going to be more of a collector’s item for Farke’s side next season, and ensuring they have someone up top who they can trust to put them away and contribute when Leeds are under the cosh will be a necessity.
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