Joël Piroe insists he will ‘always cherish’ the memories created at Leeds United but hopes to meet them again as a West Ham player in the Premier League.
Piroe’s move to the London Stadium was confirmed on Wednesday morning. The 27-year-old initially joined West Ham on loan for the 2026/27 season, with the Hammers obligated to make the move permanent should they achieve promotion at the first time of asking.
The Suriname international scored 33 goals in 91 Championship games across two years for Leeds, claiming the league’s Golden Boot award during the 2024/25 title-winning campaign. But he fell to the fringes after promotion and failed to score a single Premier League goal.
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In a post on Instagram following confirmation of his exit, Piroe wrote: “Together, we created memories that will last forever. It’s something I will always cherish, as well as all the friends we made in Leeds.
“As I start a new chapter, I want to thank everyone at the club and wish you all the very best. And hopefully… see you in the Premier League!”
West Ham are the early favourites to win promotion from the Championship, albeit they failed to win their opening game of the new season last weekend. The Hammers were 2-0 up at fellow relegation side Burnley but conceded twice late on to draw 2-2.