Leeds United striker Joel Piroe is expected to leave Elland Road this summer, with the club indicating he is not part of their future plans, sources have confirmed. The 26-year-old Suriname international joined Leeds from Swansea in 2023 for an initial £10 million, a fee that rose to £13 million following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
Piroe has a respectable goal involvement record during his time at Leeds, contributing to 44 goals (34 scored, 10 assists) in 117 appearances, averaging a goal involvement every 2.65 games. However, he has fallen out of favour under manager Daniel Farke this season, making only 20 appearances and scoring just once. This lack of playing time has led to the club’s decision to allow him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Despite his recent lack of form, Piroe remains highly regarded as a goalscorer, particularly after his contribution to Leeds’ promotion-winning season where he was a Golden Boot contender. Several clubs are expected to express interest in securing his signature this summer. Rangers are known to retain an interest, having been previously rebuffed in a January approach, while Middlesbrough are also monitoring the situation.
The ownership link between Leeds and Rangers, through the 49ers Enterprises, could potentially facilitate negotiations, giving the Scottish club an advantage in the transfer race. Rangers manager Danny Rohl is reportedly keen on Piroe as a solution to his side’s goalscoring issues. Middlesbrough’s interest may depend on whether they achieve promotion to the Premier League, with the club potentially reassessing their targets should they reach the top flight. Stoke City and Birmingham City have also shown preliminary interest, while PSV Eindhoven, Piroe’s former club, have been mentioned as a potential destination. Leeds are seeking a fee in the region of £8 million to £10 million for the striker, accepting a slight loss on their initial investment. A deal is contingent on Leeds securing a replacement for Piroe, with a new centre-forward a priority for the summer transfer window.
