Who is Joel Piroe? What you need to know about ‘intelligent’ Leeds United target as ‘medical booked’ - YEP 24/8/23
A look at likely new Leeds United signing Joel Piroe to get to know the striker.
By Jamie Kemble
Leeds United look to be closing in on a deal for Swansea
City star Joel Piroe, but what should fans know about the highly-rated frontman?
The Whites have been left in need of a host of new signings,
and a striker signing was at the top of their list amid injury troubles for
Patrick Bamford. Swansea City’s top scorer from their last two season, Piroe,
has emerged as the chosen one, with Leeds now closing in on wrapping up a deal
for the in-demand forward.
With that in mind, we have put together what you need to
know about Leeds’ potential new signing.
The transfer update
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Leeds have already agreed a
deal with Swansea for the signing of Piroe.
Romano tweeted: “Joel Piroe, on his way to medical tests at
Leeds United — deal agreed between clubs with Swansea. All parties expect deal
to be signed by the end of the week. “
Reports recently claimed that Leeds offered £10million for
Piroe, but it’s unclear what the final fee was. Reports have claimed £12million
is the likely fee.
Who is Joel Piroe?
Joel Piroe is a 24-year-old striker currently playing for
Swansea City.
The Dutchman has been with the Swans since 2021, and he
began his career with PSV’s youth setup after first spending time with NEC and
Feyenoord’s academies. While he is a Dutchman, Piroe is of Surinamese descent.
Piroe’s career so far
Piroe made his breakthrough with PSV’s B team, but he also
went on to make 11 first-team performances, scoring once.
During his time with PSV, the striker was sent on loan to
Sparta Rotterdam, scoring twice in 18 league appearances. In 2021, he made the
move to Swansea, and he hasn’t looked back.
Since then, the 24-year-old has scored 41 times in 91 league
games for Swansea, helping them to a solid finish last season. Piroe scored 19
goals last season, following on from a 22-goal season before that.
‘Adaptable and intelligent’
New Swansea boss Michael Duff won’t have seen enough of
Piroe, so it’s worth taking a look at what previous boss Russell Martin said
about the striker during last season.
The now Southampton head coach said at the time: “Joel has
been amazing since we have been here, he is just a great young man, first and
foremost.
“As a footballer, he is adaptable and intelligent. He is
technically really gifted with both feet and good movement. His willingness and
capacity to learn is incredible, and his understanding of what we are trying to
do is amazing.
“I am just so pleased for him, because he has been
disappointed himself with how things have gone for him in spells this season, and
his output in terms of goals. But it shows his ability, the quality he
possesses and it tells you how good he is that he can be disappointed when he
has 17 goals this season.”
