Rewind to the start of the season and Leeds United were hellbent on bringing Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer to Elland Road, having already signed Jayden Bogle from The Blades.
Leeds had landed Bogle because the right-back was in the final year of his contract at Bramall Lane. For Hamer, it was different and Sheffield United rejected Leeds’ opening offer for Brazil-born Hamer, £13m.
The lack of no.10 at Elland Road has been one area of Daniel Farke’s side that has required improvement and will certainly be a position The Whites look to strengthen come the summer, especially if promoted.
But Hamer stayed put. On Monday, he came off the bench for Chris Wilder’s side and Tony Dorigo thinks Hamer should have been sent off, having been booked for a lunge on Bogle and then fouling Ao Tanaka.
Sheffield United tried to unsettle Joel Piroe last summer
Following Leeds’ initial bid, reports emerged that Leeds had tabled a player-plus-cash bid to sign Hamer from Sheffield United. The player in question was Joel Piroe, but it turned out to be false information.
Indeed, The Sheffield Star reported the news after being informed by Sheffield United sources that Leeds had made such a bid. But Leeds sources said that it was simply not the case, and tactics from The Blades.
Adam Pope said Sheffield United tried to disrupt Leeds star Piroe, after Leeds had attempted to sign and possibly disrupt Hamer. Fast forward to now, and the attempt to unsettle Piroe has completely backfired.
Joel Piroe makes Sheffield United pay after summer reports
In the reverse fixture, Piroe laid on an assist as Leeds secured a 2-0 win at Elland Road and then last night, the Dutchman produced the moment of the game with a stunning shot from 25 yards into the top corner.
Piroe had a quiet game and was visibly frustrated with his teammates but that all changed when Leeds led, and the striker lashed home his 15th goal of the season. He now has more goals than last season.
Not only that, but he has left Bramall Lane after firmly placing egg in the face of those at Sheffield United that tried to unsettle him at Leeds in retaliation for Leeds’ bidding for Hamer. A man in incredible form.
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