Look away Joel Piroe as Leeds United told 21-goal target has a bargain £17m release clause

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A new striker will be one of Adam Underwood’s top priorities this summer as Leeds United look to bring in the firepower required to survive Premier League relegation next season.

The Whites currently have three options up top under Daniel Farke. But there are doubts over whether Joel Piroe can do it at the top level, having never played in the Premier League and struggled at times.

Patrick Bamford is very experienced in England’s top tier but the one-time Three Lions star failed to score a single goal during 2024-25 – albeit, one incorrectly ruled out against former side Middlesbrough.

Mateo Joseph could leave after a disappointing three-goal season. Real Betis are expected to come back in for Joseph. So not only do Leeds need better up front, they may also have to replace the Spaniard.

Leeds have been linked with a plethora of different strikers, from Newcastle’s out-of-contract Callum Wilson to Everton’s in-form talisman Beto. Another is Dynamo Kiev goal machine Vladyslav Vanat.

• READ MORE: Why Leeds may abandon plans to keep Junior Firpo, according to Aidy White

Vladyslav Vanat’s release clause emerges ahead of key summer

Vanat has just enjoyed by far the best of his four seasons on the books with Dynamo Kiev, netting an impressive 21 goals – two more than Piroe, while laying on eight assists. Again, more assists than Piroe.

Vanat’s impressive form and numbers have attracted Leeds according to a report from TBR Football. Now, reports in Ukraine state that there is a bargain release clause in Vanat’s contract with Dynamo Kiev.

Indeed, Football24 report that they have learned there is a £17m release clause that would allow clubs to table such an offer and Kiev would have to accept it. Leeds therefore could land Vanat on the cheap.

Vanat and Joel Piroe’s senior club numbers compared so far

There is no doubting that Leeds need strikers. Bamford suggested he will stay in recent comments during an interview with CBS Sports, though has entered the final year of his contract at Elland Road.

With Piroe more than likely to remain, Leeds probably need one big striker signing to give them the right amount of options up top. Vanat could be the man, if The Whites choose to take a risk on the forward.

Piroe and Vanat’s senior club careers so far:

Vanat has only ever played for boyhood club Dynamo Kiev and a loan at Chornomorets, another top-tier Ukrainian side. It is a risk, given Vanat has never played above that level – but at £17m, a risk worth taking.