NafisaLeeds United are now on the verge of seeing another first-team player leave Elland Road, with Joel Piroe set to undergo his medical today ahead of completing a move to West Ham United.
The transfer has moved quickly after the Hammers were forced to look elsewhere following a breakdown in their pursuit of Troy Parrott.
West Ham had identified Parrott as their primary target but were unable to reach an agreement with AZ Alkmaar over the financial terms.
That impasse opened the door for Piroe.
And the Dutch striker now appears to be heading towards the exit at Leeds.
According to ExWHUEmployee, Piroe is scheduled to undergo his medical today as West Ham look to complete the necessary formalities.
The proposed deal will initially see the striker join the Hammers on a season-long loan.
However, there is a significant clause attached to the agreement which could turn the temporary move into a permanent transfer.
West Ham are understood to have agreed to a conditional £15 million obligation to buy, with the clause becoming mandatory if the London club secure promotion back to the Premier League at the end of the campaign.
The Hammers will also cover Piroe’s wages in full throughout the loan.
That arrangement gives West Ham a proven Championship goalscorer while allowing Leeds to potentially secure a sizeable permanent fee next summer.
Piroe’s Championship record speaks for itself
There is little doubt that Piroe has the pedigree to make an impact in the second tier.
The Dutchman has scored 73 goals in 179 Championship appearances across his spells with Swansea City and Leeds United.
His most recent Championship campaign was particularly important.
Piroe played a significant role in Leeds’ promotion-winning 2024/25 season, establishing himself as one of the division’s most reliable finishers.
His ability to find the net consistently made him a valuable asset during Leeds’ promotion push.
But his circumstances changed dramatically after the club returned to the Premier League.
Why Piroe is leaving Leeds
Piroe’s opportunities at Elland Road diminished considerably following Leeds’ return to the top flight.
The striker made just 16 appearances without scoring, while competition for places became increasingly difficult.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha moved ahead of him in Daniel Farke’s attacking hierarchy, leaving Piroe facing the prospect of another season with limited opportunities.
For a striker who has already demonstrated what he can do when playing regularly in the Championship, that was far from ideal.
The move to West Ham therefore represents more than simply another transfer.
It gives Piroe an opportunity to restart his career as a regular starter.
West Ham’s need for attacking reinforcements
The timing of the move also makes sense from West Ham’s perspective.
Nuno Espirito Santo has made it clear that attacking reinforcements are needed, particularly after the recent 2-2 draw with Burnley highlighted the lack of depth available in the forward areas.
The failure to get Parrott over the line forced West Ham to move quickly.
Piroe represents a player who already knows the Championship and has a proven record of scoring goals at that level.
That experience could prove particularly valuable as West Ham attempt to put together a promotion challenge.
Rather than taking a gamble on an unproven player, the Hammers are bringing in someone who has already shown that he can consistently produce in the division.
Leeds could still receive £15m:
For Leeds, the structure of the agreement will be particularly interesting.
The club are looking to trim their squad while making room for further additions under Farke.
Allowing Piroe to leave on loan removes his wages from the immediate equation, while the potential £15m obligation provides the prospect of a significant permanent fee.
The key condition is West Ham’s promotion.
If the Hammers return to the Premier League at the end of the campaign, the obligation to purchase Piroe will reportedly be triggered.
That would give Leeds another sizeable transfer income next summer.
For now, however, the Whites will have to wait.
Medical is the next step
Piroe’s medical represents the next major step before the move can officially be completed.
West Ham are now working through the contract paperwork and player registration process, with the club hoping to have everything finalised in time for their upcoming league fixture against Charlton.
If all goes according to plan, Piroe will soon be preparing for a new chapter in London.
For the 25-year-old, it is a chance to rediscover the form that made him such a prolific Championship striker.
For Leeds, meanwhile, it is another squad departure — but one that could eventually bring £15m back to Elland Road if West Ham achieve their ultimate objective.
The medical today could therefore mark the beginning of what becomes a permanent goodbye between Piroe and Leeds.
Nafisa
