Leeds United have limited funds to make January transfers next month, but if we want to have more to spend, we’ll have to secure exits for some fringe players.
United have one game remaining in 2025 as we take on high-flying Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on the 28th.
After that is the beginning of 2026 and the January window, where Leeds need to strengthen to keep West Ham at arm’s length. But, funds don’t look to be freely available for big spending.
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Could Leeds United sell Joel Piroe to bankroll January transfers next month?
As we keep hearing, Leeds have ‘maxed out’ their PSR spending thus far after a circa-£100million summer spree coinciding with very little incoming money from exits.
To boost coffers for next month, the only way is to find suitors for some fringe players. Illan Meslier seems an obvious one, while we could certainly survive without Jack Harrison too.
However, in terms of value and potential interest, Joel Piroe could be someone to consider. Having not made a league start since August, even with a shift to a two-striker formation, it begs the question of whether the club will cash in.
Leeds United forward Joel Piroe is struggling in the Premier League. (REUTERS/David Klein)
He’s two-and-a-half years through his four-year contract at the club, having been signed for £10.5million rising to £16million. As a result, his book value isn’t as lofty as the amount we initially paid – dependent on how many of those add-ons have been paid to Swansea City, we’re looking at a maximum £8million book value.
Joel Piroe falls down pecking order as Leeds United lean into physical dominance
United rejected offers in the summer for the Dutchman, he himself confirmed, and they may be more receptive now that his role has dwindled significantly.
You’ve got to feel for Piroe. Back in May, he was the golden boot winner, scoring four goals on the day we clinched promotion back to the Premier League. Now, he’s getting pity minutes off the bench more or less as an afterthought.
The reason is pretty obvious as to how it’s happened though. Leeds have diagnosed the failures of each relegated team since we were last in the division. A lack of physicality is a massive detriment – ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin spelled it out earlier this year.
Consequently, we focused our investment on raising the physical floor of the squad. We’ve seen the fruits of that in this recent uptick in form.
We bullied our way past Chelsea and Crystal Palace at home most notably.
Joel Piroe’s 15-minute cameo against Crystal Palace proves why Leeds United must sell him in January
Meanwhile, Piroe came off the bench in the 87th minute to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the remaining 15 minutes against Palace.
Joel Piroe celebrates Anton Stach’s goal vs Crystal Palace amidst tough sub appearance. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
What followed was proof of why Piroe’s not been getting any playing time of note:
Justin Devenny restored the faintest hope from the penalty spot. But, as Leeds looked to snuff out their optimism, Piroe turned into unnecessary trouble and allowed Palace to break. Devenny hit the post seconds later. Then, when Willy Gnonto cleared to Piroe out wide, a heavy touch turned the ball over again and allowed the Eagles to keep up their pressure.
In the space of a minute, it showed what Leeds need from a striker that’s replacing Calvert-Lewin, and that Piroe isn’t that guy.
Farke’s clearly realised it, given how he’s probably fifth choice now. DCL, Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor and Willy Gnonto are all in front of him in a 3-5-2. So, it stands to reason that a sale, if possible, must happen in January. It’ll allow him a route out to play more football, and free up room for a replacement.
Read more: Jamie Carragher names Leeds United player as “genius” on MNF.