It is just over a fortnight until the January transfer window opens, and Leeds United are expected to try and bolster their attack, in a bid to improve Daniel Farke’s chances of avoiding relegation.
Having failed to bring in Harry Wilson, Facundo Buonanotte, and Igor Paixao in the summer, Leeds clearly feel they lack quality in the final third. That is even before considering the injury sustained by Dan James.
Robbie Evans has made it clear that Leeds are close to overstepping the PSR line. But, LeedsUnited.News is of the opinion that there is room to spend and the 49ers are willing to put money where their mouth is.
Plenty of players have already been linked with the Whites since the end of the summer window, and now, Leeds have been linked with a move to sign Manchester United attacker Joshua Zirkzee in January.
Joshua Zirkzee interest is not good news for Joel Piroe
Indeed, reports from Italy claim Leeds and West Ham have made enquiries for Zirkzee. The Netherlands international is expected to be on the move, as he looks for game time to salvage his World Cup hopes.
Zirkzee is not particularly keen on a move to Elland Road, but it is clear that Leeds are trying to sign a striker who can play alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin in this new-look 3-5-2 system under Daniel Farke.
Would you take Joshua Zirkzee at Leeds? ⭐
Even if he's currently at Man United?
Either Lukas Nmecha partners Calvert-Lewin, or winger Noah Okafor starts when Nmecha is not able to play. Joel Piroe, then, is the club’s fourth-choice striker as things stand. Zirkzee makes him fifth choice.
Piroe joined Leeds with the intent of realising his dream and playing in the Premier League. Last term’s Championship golden boot winner, however, has failed to start a league game since the 5-0 Arsenal loss.
Any new attacking option is not good news for Piroe. But a move for Zirkzee is bad news for Piroe, a striker who can drop deep. Robert Lewandowski says Zirkzee is “amazing”, a better version of Piroe.
How much would Leeds need to sell Joel Piroe for as a profit?
Ultimately, Zirkzee’s arrival pushes Piroe down the pecking order and closer to being expendable, and therefore closer to an exit. But even Leeds showing interest in a player like Zirkzee is bad news for Piroe.
Leeds bought Piroe for £16m in the summer of 2023. Add-ons are likely to have been met, taking a deal to £16m. That was two and a half years ago, with Piroe penning a four-year contract until June 2027.
Which player would you be happy for Leeds to sell in January to fund their transfer business? Let us know in the comments… 🤔💰
The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke's plans.
It means that anything over £6m would see Leeds make a profit in the eyes of PSR. So, if Leeds can find a club willing to pay that kind of cash for the Dutchman, it might suit all parties to wave goodbye.
Piroe has already alerted his agents that a January move could be possible, and will certainly be frustrated that he isn’t starting games. However, how can one argue with the form of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin?
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
