Manager of promotion rivals says he would liked to have signed £16m Leeds player in the summer

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Southampton manager Russell Martin has been quoted by The Daily Echo as saying that he would loved to have signed Joel Piroe from Swansea in the summer window – but the striker joined Leeds instead.

Piroe, 24, was a man in demand this summer. It comes after joining Swansea in the summer of 2021 on a three-year deal. In his first two seasons, he scored a huge 46 goals in 96 games. Interest ramped up.

Especially, with the ex-PSV man in the final year of his deal. Clubs from Italy, Germany, and the top tier of English football all wanted Piroe. But Leeds got him – Phil Hay claims a deal could cost Leeds £16m.

He has since starred for Leeds. Already, the Dutchman has four goals in five games – including a brace away at Millwall and the opener in our 3-0 win over Watford last time out. An excellent start for Leeds.

Martin of course, worked with Piroe for two years at Swansea – joining the Welsh club a month after Piroe arrived at the Liberty. Both left in the summer, and he says he would liked to have signed him.

“Would he have added to this group and helped us? Yes. Was it an option? No, because we have brilliant options we are happy with. We ended up signing Ross Stewart who will contribute hugely when fit.”

Martin says he would have loved Southampton to sign Piroe

Any Championship side would love Piroe. Some Premier League sides would love Piroe. Leeds have spent big on the striker – but, he could be well worth it if the club can gain promotion come next May.

Piroe could really rub it in on Saturday as Leeds take on Southampton on the south coast, in front of Martin. The Saints gaffer might have just handed Piroe another confidence boost, at the wrong time.