Leeds United have multiple areas of their squad that need to be restructured this summer.
Perhaps most notably is the goalkeeping department. With Karl Darlow joining Manchester United and Lucas Perri looking like he could join Torino, there is every chance that the Whites need to sign two ‘keepers this summer.
The restructuring Leeds need to do this summer also involves selling players who are evidently not a part of Daniel Farke’s plans for next season. The prime example of this is Jack Harrison.
Joel Piroe is another example of this, and judging by the striker’s recent comments, he will surely be given a brutal reality check by the 49ers this summer.
Joel Piroe wants to stay and fight for his place at Leeds
After firing us out of the Championship, Piroe quickly fell to the wayside last season in the top flight when it was clear that he couldn’t deal with the physical demands of the Premier League.
The 26-year-old played a total of just 315 Premier League minutes last season (Sofascore) as he fell behind Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the pecking order.
But judging by his latest interview with Flashscore, Piroe does not seem to have any intention of forcing his way out of Leeds this summer.
“I just want to prove myself with Leeds in the Premier League. I had a little bit of the feeling that I didn’t want to run away from the challenge (in the winter transfer window).
“If the start is not going as I want it to, then after just half a season to run away from the challenge, that didn’t feel right as well. And I thought to myself, ‘Why run away after half a season when you have not experienced a full season in the Premier League?’ I still see my future there (at Leeds),” Piroe said.
“Of course, when pre-season starts, I will see and feel a bit more about what the club thinks as well. But for now, I just want to present myself in a way where I can show these are the steps I’ve made in comparison to last season.
“And if it’s good enough and I get the chances, then I would be really happy. And if it’s not the case, then we will see what will happen.”
Joel Piroe likely to be forced out over the summer
As harsh as it is to say, the 49ers will likely hand Piroe a brutal reality check this summer and force him out of the club.
Piroe’s attitude and professionalism after barely playing last season was excellent. He has carried himself tremendously through what was a tough season for him.
However, if he does stay at Leeds for some reason, it is unlikely he will feature heavily.
For this reason, I expect the 49ers to sell Piroe this summer and potentially sign another forward who they feel will be more effective.
For now, this would end Piroe’s dreams of proving he can cut it in the Premier League, but a move away would be the best-case scenario for all parties.
Another season playing as little as he did last term will be a waste of a year in what is a very short career.
As much as we’d all want to see Piroe succeed in the Premier League, we have a big enough sample size to prove that this simply won’t be the case at Leeds.
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