NafisaLeeds United have reached a potentially significant crossroads with Joel Piroe, with Daniel Farke’s latest decision leaving the striker facing an increasingly uncertain future at Elland Road.
The Whites have already made major changes to their squad this summer as they prepare for another Premier League campaign, with the competition for places becoming increasingly fierce across virtually every position.
Piroe, however, appears to be one of the players who has found himself on the wrong side of that competition.
The 27-year-old has never quite managed to establish himself as a regular starter since arriving at Leeds, particularly in the Premier League, where opportunities have been limited. Last season, he started just twice in the top flight, despite continuing to possess a proven goalscoring record from his previous spells in English football.
That situation appears to have become even more difficult following the arrival of additional attacking options and Farke’s decision-making during pre-season.
One moment in particular has now raised eyebrows.
Piroe was left on the bench for the entirety of Leeds’ 120-minute friendly against RB Leipzig, despite the German manager using the match as an opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the new campaign.
It was not simply the decision itself that attracted attention, however.
Farke has been unusually clear about where Piroe currently stands within his squad, admitting that the striker is well down the pecking order.
That public assessment has now sparked fresh speculation that Leeds could be preparing to part company with the forward before the summer transfer window closes.
Mick Brown, the former Manchester United chief scout, believes Farke’s comments could be particularly significant.
“To be honest, I’m surprised Piroe hasn’t already left Leeds this summer,” Brown told Football Insider.
“It’s obvious he’s not going to be part of their plans next season, and Farke has pretty much confirmed that after he came out and explained that he is behind other players in the pecking order.”
Brown believes it is unusual for a manager to speak so openly about a player’s position within the squad and feels that the comments could effectively amount to an invitation for interested clubs to make an approach.
“It’s strange to hear a manager come out and directly say that a player is not involved because he’s way down the pecking order, and to me it all but confirms they want to sell him,” he added.
For Leeds, the situation is relatively straightforward.
The club have already been preparing for Piroe’s departure, with reports earlier in the year indicating that the striker was not regarded as part of Farke’s long-term plans.
There is also the possibility of another attacking arrival before the window closes.
Should Leeds bring in another striker, Piroe’s pathway into the first team could become even more difficult, potentially leaving all parties with little reason to continue the current arrangement.
Yet there is still an important reason why clubs could be tempted to take a chance on him.
Piroe may have struggled to establish himself at Leeds, but his goalscoring record remains attractive.
He has previously demonstrated that he knows where the back of the net is, and there are plenty of clubs across England and Europe who could view him as a player capable of providing an immediate attacking solution.
Brown believes that could ultimately lead to offers arriving.
“Clubs have been interest in Piroe in the past because, aside from his time at Leeds, he has shown he can score goals, and there are no shortage of clubs in need of a goalscorer,” he said.
“Which clubs might come in for him, I’m not sure, but there will be those looking and keeping a close eye on his situation.”
That brings Rangers and Celtic into the picture.
Piroe has previously been linked with both Glasgow giants, with Rangers believed to be among the clubs who have monitored his situation.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness claimed earlier this year that Rangers were admirers of the Leeds striker and could potentially explore a move during the summer window.
There is an obvious connection between the two clubs through 49ers Enterprises, although that alone would not guarantee a transfer.
Rangers are also attempting to reshape their squad under Derek McInnes after a difficult opening to the campaign, and the need for additional attacking quality could make a proven goalscorer such as Piroe an intriguing option.
Celtic have also previously been mentioned in connection with the striker, meaning a potential departure from Leeds could create an interesting situation if either Glasgow club decides to make a serious approach.
For now, though, there is no confirmed offer from either side.
The biggest development remains Piroe’s position at Leeds.
Farke has made it clear that the striker is currently behind several options in the attacking pecking order, while Leeds appear keen to continue strengthening their squad before the window shuts.
Piroe therefore faces a crucial few weeks.
A player who once arrived at Elland Road with expectations of becoming an important goalscorer now appears to be approaching the final stages of his Leeds career.
And if Brown’s assessment proves correct, it may only take one club to decide that Piroe deserves the fresh start he has been waiting for.
With the transfer window entering its decisive phase, Leeds’ willingness to listen to offers could soon turn the striker’s uncertain situation into one of the more interesting outgoing deals of their summer.
Nafisa
