Leeds United
Suriname manager Henk ten Cate has revealed he’s taken a hardline stance with Leeds United striker Joël Piroe over his lack of minutes at Elland Road this season.
VG Sporten cover comments from Ten Cate today regarding the Leeds striker. He’s gearing up for the international break with his new nation.
Piroe changed his allegiance to Suriname earlier this year. He was officially called up by the for the international break last week.
The Leeds United player could now be set for the World Cup this summer. That tournament is, of course, a big motivation behind the allegiance change.,
Disappointing Leeds United season
The added motivation will be especially true after a disappointing season with Leeds United. Joel Piroe was one of their star men as they were promoted last season. He also has 74 goals in the Championship over four seasons with Leeds and Swansea City.
Joel Piroe told to make the most of Leeds United minutes
Joel Piroe told to make the most of Leeds United minutes
However, life in the Premier League has been tough. He is yet to score in the league to date and has only managed 217 minutes in total as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has established himself as number one under Daniel Farke.
Piroe has had to sit on the sidelines watching on but did make an impression with two goals in the win over Norwich City in the FA Cup two weeks ago.
A lack of minutes are not concerning for Ten Cate. But he has issued a warning to the Leeds United striker, nonetheless.
“He does not play regularly for Leeds but is at a club at the very highest level,” he said.
“The English league is by far the strongest in the world. It can happen that you end up on the bench. I have told Joël that he has to work really hard.
“When the chance comes, you have to seize it. He did that against Norwich. He played a very good game and scored an important goal.”
Summer decision needed
Fortunately for Joel Piroe, his lack of minutes for Leeds United this summer is unlikely to damage his chances of going to the World Cup this summer.
He will likely be hoping to use that tournament to put himself on the market. The Netherlands born player certainly has a decision to make about his future at Elland Road either way.
It’s clear that he’s not a firm park of Daniel Farke’s plans, particularly with Dominic Calvert Lewin continuing to impress.
During the January window, he talked down a winter exit.
“Honestly, that’s not on the cards right now,”Piroe said.
“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. Especially because the season is still relatively short and there’s little time to adapt elsewhere. That would be very difficult, I think.”
At that time, Ipswich Town were keen on a permanent transfer. The Leeds United player didn’t want to move in the winter and wasn’t keen on a Championship switch either.
When the summer arrives, a different decision may need to be made.
🇪🇸 Largie Ramazani | Leeds United want to bring loanee back
➡️ Plan is for Daniel Farke to use him
🦇 Valencia chances of keeping him are slim
💵 #LUFC would only sell for good offer
➡️ May be a bargaining positionhttps://t.co/8UJHjj71Om #mot
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 25, 2026