Daniel Farke has always preferred a close-knit squad. A smaller number of players that fosters togetherness, creating a family-like vibe at Leeds United, rather than a bloated, unhappy group.
The larger the group, the greater the number of players who fail to get game time. That does not lead to a happy environment, and like Marcelo Bielsa, Farke would prefer a versatile squad, over 30-35 players.
But no matter how small the squad, there will always be one or two who are keen to leave the club, or who are unhappy with their game time. Illan Meslier wants to join Celtic with his contract due to end.
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There is also Jack Harrison, who is keen on a move to Carlos Corberan’s Valencia. On Sunday, Joel Piroe came off the bench for Leeds again and almost curled in a late winner to beat Manchester United.
What Stuart Dallas said about Joel Piroe’s late chance
Piroe is said to be happy at Leeds currently, even though the Dutch striker has now entered the final 18 months of his four-year Elland Road deal, and has failed to start a league game since Arsenal in August.
Leeds fans believe Piroe should leave, with promotion-chasing Ipswich and Leicester both supposedly interested in the former Swansea man, according to the Mail. Stuart Dallas has now spoken about Piroe.
On Premier League Productions, Dallas discussed Piroe’s late chance having just come off the bench. He said: “Piroe has had to bide his time, he hasn’t had too many opportunities this year.
“If you asked anybody at the club, they’ll probably tell you he’s the best finisher that they do have. If they wanted anyone in that position, it’s him – he’s just unlucky,” Dallas said about £16m Leeds recruit Piroe.
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The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke's plans.
What does Piroe need to do in the January window
Is Piroe happy at Leeds right now? While he might be content, he can’t be happy with his lack of game time. The striker joined Leeds back in August 2023 to realise his dream of playing in the Premier League.
But the Dutchman is yet to even score and has only started two games. What is worse is that the lack of clamour for Piroe to start, even with Leeds now playing with two up front, in a 3-5-2 system under Farke.
Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor are preferred to Piroe and it won’t be long until Harry Gray overtakes the Championship expert. Ultimately, Piroe needs to make a decision, and it might be that he opts to leave.
Whether that is this month, at the end of the season, or on a free transfer when his contract comes to an end. Leeds would probably prefer it sooner rather than later, to make a profit in the eyes of PSR.
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