The Dutchman opted to remain at Elland Road to fight for a starting spot in the Premier League
15:28, 20 Feb 2026
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(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Striker Joel Piroe knocked back a move to Rangers in January to fight for his spot at Leeds United - but the decision has not gone to plan.
The Glasgow giants had lined up a late move to take the Dutchman from Elland Road for the Dutchman if a deal to bring Ryan Naderi in from Hansa Rostock could not be completed. After impressing in the Championship last term, Piroe has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the Premier League and has not scored this term.
But the 26-year-old told club bosses he did not want to leave for the Scottish Premiership title fight. In the end, Rangers would land the German striker in a whirlwind deadline day swoop.
Speaking to media in the Netherlands about the prospect of a winter move, Piroe explained his stance. He said: “Honestly, that’s not on the cards right now.
"You never know, what if an opportunity arises that you can’t say no to? But personally, I’m not really keen on making a move this winter.
“If I have to make a transfer, I’d rather join during pre-season and get fully prepared for a new adventure. But I’m not thinking about leaving right now. I still want and can be of value to Leeds and contribute to staying out of the relegation zone.”
He added: “I feel like I’m definitely not far off getting more minutes [at Leeds]. But it’s sometimes difficult to convince someone to give you more chances to show that you’re taking the right steps.”
However, that theory has not became a reality so far with Daniel Farke showing faith in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with Lukas Nmecha also ahead of Piroe in the pecking order.
Since the end of the window, the hitman has been handed just one start - in the FA Cup clash with Derby County - and made just one five-minute cameo in the Premier League with his side trailing Arsenal 4-0 alongside 12 minutes in the cup clash with Birmingham City.
Joel Piroe of Leeds United
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Joel Piroe of Leeds United (Image: Leeds United via Getty Images)
Earlier in the season, boss Farke explained Piroe's lack of game time: “If you want to have a player with the ball in front of his feet 20 yards out, I would always go for Joel Piroe, because he's an unbelievable finisher.
"In these terms, he is really world class. But on this level, you have to accept that we can't always play the striker position that dominant. Sometimes, different skills are asked for.”
The club's owners 49ers Enterprises - who also lead Rangers alongside Andrew Cavenagh - now have a big call to make in the summer.
Leeds have currently maxed out spending limits within PSR ahead of the new financial Squad Cost Ratio rules set to come in this summer.
The club will have a similar headache in the summer as they look to balance the books - with Piroe an obvious name to move on. But can they convince a player they signed from Swansea City for £10million in 2023 to head out the door?
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