Leeds United are set to complete their ninth summer signing with the arrival of Noah Okafor and take their spending close to the £100m mark, with Okafor set to cost £18m.
The Switzerland international will be Leeds’ second-most-expensive signing of the summer, only behind Anton Stach’s £19.9m move from Hoffenheim. Leeds have spent £80m on their eight confirmed additions.
They’ve done so without bringing in a fee for any senior players this summer. Rasmus Kristensen’s move to Frankfurt counts on this season’s books, but since his sale, Leeds have not sold any senior players.
Diogo Monteiro has joined Arouca but the Portuguese defender is the only player to be sold by the club, but he was a regular for the 21s. Sunderland and Burnley have sold Jobe Bellingham and James Trafford.
Joel Piroe confirms he has rejected approaches this summer
After winning the Championship golden boot – his tally was a low-winning total – Joel Piroe started for Leeds against Everton. The £16m signing from Swansea showed some nice touches and came close.
A Premier League debut for the Dutchman, who now has competition from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha as well as Okafor. But, speaking to Voetbal International, Piroe says he is staying at Leeds.
Indeed, Piroe confirms that “a few other clubs” have made approaches to land the former Swansea man this summer. But, Piroe has rejected any hint of a move, even returning to PSV, to stay put at Leeds.
“It would be great to return to PSV someday. But not right now. I’m not thinking about leaving, or what’s going on at other clubs. All I want is to play for Leeds in the Premier League,” Piroe told the Dutch outlet.
“I understand that a few other clubs approached. The club didn’t want to let me go, I don’t want to leave at all. I want to prove myself in this league. Game against Arsenal, that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Who starts for Leeds against Arsenal on Saturday evening?
Having picked up three points in their first game, Leeds will now be reminded of how unrelenting the Premier League is with one of the toughest games of the season coming in just their second game.
Arsenal away, on Saturday. Again, under the lights with a 5.30pm kick-off. But who starts up front? Does Farke stick to the side that won the game against Everton, or bring in goalscorer Nmecha to start?
Then, could Farke even call on Calvert-Lewin who was not included in the squad on Monday having gone an entire pre-season without a club. Or could it be new signing Okafor, when he is finally confirmed?
Leeds will be playing on the counter and a bit of energy and pace is required to put pressure on Arsenal and force them into mistakes. Simon Grayson thinks Nmecha could get the nod ahead of Piroe up top.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
