Manchester United came out on top against Leeds United on penalties in their pre-season clash in Dublin this week, but the result has not taken the focus away from Leeds’ ongoing transfer business.
James Trafford showed why the Whites were willing to break their transfer record for him, putting in an impressive display against United after his move from Manchester City.
Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson have also caught the eye during pre-season and look set to play important roles in Daniel Farke’s plans for the new campaign.
There is still plenty to sort out before the window closes, though. Leeds are expected to bring in a few more players while also working on several departures to trim the squad and create room for further additions.
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Daniel Farke’s decision indicates Leeds United star needs to leave
The Leeds manager recently insisted that no player has asked to leave the club this summer despite not getting many minutes during pre-season.
However, it emerged that Sebastiaan Bornauw wants to leave, and the centre-back is close to finalising a move to Hamburg. Leeds are working on a deal to replace him with Nico Elvedi.
But Farke’s selections in the recent games have laid out a clear hint to at least one Leeds star that he needs to move on from Elland Road this summer.
Joel Piroe found himself as the fourth-choice striker in a squad that didn’t have four strikers, and has been expected to leave Elland Road this summer.
However, the Dutchman is nowhere close to leaving Leeds with less than three weeks left in the transfer window.
Piroe didn’t appear in the last two pre-season games, and it is clear that he is not a major part of Leeds’ plans this season.
Farke wants to bring in a new striker, but a deal can’t move forward until they are sure about the Suriname international leaving Elland Road.
The hint is clear to Piroe that he has no future at Elland Road, and Farke doesn’t see him as a viable option in the Premier League.
Joel Piroe has to leave Leeds
Joel Piroe finished the 2024/25 campaign as the Championship’s top scorer, with his goals playing a huge role in Leeds United’s promotion.
But the arrival of Dominic Calvert-Lewin last summer quickly pushed Piroe down the pecking order, and he struggled to get regular minutes at Elland Road.
He effectively became the fourth-choice striker despite Leeds not having four natural centre-forwards, which was a clear indication that Daniel Farke did not see him as someone capable of leading the line in the Premier League.
Farke has regularly praised Piroe’s finishing ability, but he has also acknowledged that the forward lacks some of the mobility and physicality needed to thrive at the highest level.
With Leeds still looking to add another striker this summer, Piroe now looks increasingly likely to leave Elland Road before the transfer window closes.
