One of Leeds United’s headline signings from last summer is garnering interest from a number of clubs.
During their first window with complete ownership, 49ers Enterprises signed nine new players, and they had different degrees of success.
Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon were unquestionably the best of the lot, and it’s no wonder Leeds have now spent £10 million to get the latter on a permanent basis.
Sam Byram, Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev, and Joel Piroe also had solid seasons, albeit they aren’t as indispensable in the squad as Ampadu and Rodon.
Jaidon Anthony, Djed Spence, and Karl Darlow were the other three, and for various reasons, they did not have much of an influence.
Graeme Bailey discusses Joel Piroe’s Leeds future.
While Leeds have made three new recruits this summer, there is still much speculation about who will go before the end of August.
The £40 million sale of Archie Gray to Tottenham last week has considerably alleviated Leeds’ PSR concerns, but interested teams will still pursue some of the club’s other talents.
Crysencio Summerville continues to garner high-level interest, but Brighton’s £30 million deal for Georginio Rutter has been turned down. Other players associated with exits include Kamara, Gruev, and Illan Meslier.
Joel Piroe has also been mooted as a likely exit, and transfer specialist Graeme Bailey provided an update exclusively to LeedsUnited.News.
Bailey believes he has now heard that Piroe may be on the move after only a year at Elland Road, with interest arising from a ‘few places’.
“We believe that is the case (Leeds acquiring a striker). We’ve heard Piroe may be on the move, and Bamford is known to be available. There is still a lot to happen at Elland Road with the team; it might be one in, one out. Farke wants more, and I believe he will bring in a striker.
“There is interest in Piroe from a couple places; things haven’t completely worked out for him since he arrived, so it’s an intriguing situation. I believe there is a lot of interest from abroad, but we’ll see how it goes.
Leeds selling Piroe might be a good business.
Leeds paid an initial £10.5 million to recruit Piroe in August, but after failing to win promotion, they do not have an additional £3 million to spend.
By selling Piroe now, they can avoid needing to do so while also getting rid of a player who does not fit well into the system.
Last season, Piroe did not appear to be comfortable leading the line or playing as a 10, despite having numerous opportunity to do so.
If they can recoup their losses and reinvest in a proper number nine or attacking midfielder, it will be profitable.
Last season, Piroe did not appear to be comfortable leading the line or playing as a 10, despite having numerous opportunity to do so.
If they can recoup their losses and reinvest in a proper number nine or attacking midfielder, it will be profitable.
