Leeds United are a club that has a hugely exciting few weeks ahead of them, after securing their place in the semi-final of the FA Cup over the Easter weekend.
Daniel Farke’s men have already created new history with the victory, subsequently reaching their first semi-final since 1987 - with a real chance of reaching a rare cup final.
However, the manager will no doubt have one eye on the Premier League, with the Whites currently just four points of the relegation zone with just seven games remaining.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke arrives at the stadium before the match
Maintaining their top-flight status will no doubt be the hierarchy’s main priority at present, especially considering the financial benefits of remaining in such a division.
If the Whites are to spend another year in the Premier League under Farke, the manager desperately needs to avoid utilising one player who’s constantly fallen below expectations.
Why Piroe shouldn’t play for Leeds again in 2025/26
After netting 19 league goals in the Championship last term, many expected striker Joel Piroe to play a key role for Leeds in their attempts to secure Premier League survival.
The 26-year-old has found minutes extremely hard to come by in the top-flight this term, subsequently starting just two outings, whilst being used as a substitute just 11 times.
Joel-Piroe
As a result, he’s only amassed a total of 217 league minutes played, with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, Piroe has had the opportunity to star in the FA Cup, but the Suriname international has also failed to deliver in such a competition over recent months.
He was brought off the bench in extra time against the Hammers on Sunday afternoon, with Farke no doubt utilising the attacker with the penalty shootout in mind.
Despite the faith placed in the 26-year-old, he had his spot kick saved by substitute goalkeeper Finlay Herrick - further highlighting his struggles in Yorkshire this campaign.
The Leeds star who should be sold before Piroe this summer
Given his struggles at Elland Road over the last few months, it would be a surprise to no one if Piroe was sold by the hierarchy during the summer transfer window.
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The 26-year-old would likely drop back into the second tier to gain needed minutes, with the Suriname international undoubtedly a player who’s not cut out for the top division.
He would be part of a clear-out in Yorkshire, which could see numerous players moved on to allow for added funds to potentially strengthen the ranks ahead of 2026/27.
Countless players within the first-team squad could easily be moved on, with summer addition Sean Longstaff another who should be moved on during the off-season.
The 28-year-old only arrived from Newcastle United for a fee in the region of £12m in the summer window, but he could be set for an immediate exit from Elland Road.
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He was brought in to provide needed Premier League experience under Farke, but he’s only started a total of 10 league games out of a possible 31.
Longstaff has been dislodged from the side as a result of the form of Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu at the heart of the side, resulting in the majority of his minutes coming in the FA Cup.
He did start and register a goal in the 3-0 victory against Norwich City, with such an appearance back at the start of March being his last for the Whites.
The midfielder was named on the bench for the recent victory over West Ham, once again being forced to sit and watch the aforementioned duo star in midfield.
Even after Stach’s ankle injury within the first 40 minutes, he was overlooked by Farke, with the German deciding to bring on Brenden Aaronson in his place.
Sean Longstaff - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & asissts
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To make matters worse for Longstaff, fellow midfielder Ao Tanaka was handed a rare start during the victory - even managing to get himself on the scoresheet.
After such a string of events, it’s safe to say the summer addition clearly isn’t in the manager’s plans at present, which could lead to a departure from the club in the off-season.
S. Longstaff
The £12m investment appeared to be shrewd business at the time, but it’s safe to say the transfer hasn’t worked out like either party imagined a matter of months ago.
To protect their investment, the hierarchy must look to offload the Englishman, even before Piroe, with any sale allowing the club to cut their losses and invest once again this summer.
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