New Leeds United striker Joel Piroe claims – in a video posted by the club’s official Twitter account – that he chose to join Leeds in order to win his spot in the side before going to the Premier League.
Piroe, 24, has made a wonderful start to the Championship campaign and indeed, his time at Leeds. The Dutch striker has made three appearances for the club, scoring three – including a brace at Millwall.
But Leeds were not alone in pursuit of Piroe. Wales Online said Everton, Forest, Leicester, Southampton, Atalanta, Dortmund, Augsburg and Freiburg all showed interest in the former PSV and Swansea man.
Leeds got a deal over the line, with Phil Hay reporting a fee of £10.5m has been paid initially to Swansea – but a move could cost £16m, perhaps with promotion. Piroe spoke about choosing to join Leeds.
“Well, I didn’t play really for the play-offs or directly for promotion and that’s one thing I needed to check off for myself, I think. Also being able to play a lot in the Premier League,” Piroe said, on Leeds’ Twitter.
“It’s a big decision to make if you want to jump there [into the Premier League]. Or, try to get promoted with someone and earn your spot in the team first,” Piroe continued, ahead of tonight’s game at Hull.
Piroe explains decision to join Leeds over the Premier League
It is smart from Piroe. So often, we see strikers jump at the chance to join a Premier League club and struggle – having starred in the Championship. Leeds are a Premier League club, looking for promotion.
So, Piroe has made the decision to go and win his place in the side ahead of what is deemed a likely promotion. Should he score 20 or more goals this season and Leeds get promoted, he is first choice.
A move to a Dortmund or an Atalanta would have been tempting, but he would have struggled to start. At Forest or Everton, a possible relegation battle. Leicester or Southampton? Similar to Leeds.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
