Joel Piroe has completed a move to West Ham from Leeds United on loan, with the Hammers holding an obligation to buy if they get promoted to the Premier League.
The forward was the Championship’s top scorer when Leeds won back promotion to the Premier League. However, he dropped down the pecking order at Elland Road last season.
He failed to score a goal in the top flight, and he was always expected to leave Leeds this summer, with the club keen to bring in a forward before the end of the transfer window.
West Ham will have to pay a fee of £8m to Leeds if Piroe does the business and they get promoted back to the Premier League at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
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Joel Piroe issues Leeds United farewell statement
Piroe will now hope to get back to the Premier League by helping West Ham win back promotion, but he made an impact during his time at Elland Road.
The striker insisted that he will always cherish the memories and friends he made during his time at Leeds and wishes the Whites good luck for the future.
He hopes to face Leeds in the Premier League in a West Ham shirt soon.
The former Leeds striker posted a photo on Instagram and wrote: “Together, we created memories that will last forever.
“It’s something I will always cherish, as well as all the friends we made in Leeds.
“As I start a new chapter, I want to thank everyone at the club and wish you all the very best.
“And hopefully… see you in the Premier League!”
He failed to convince Daniel Farke in the Premier League
Joel Piroe finished the 2024/25 campaign as the Championship’s top scorer and played a huge role in Leeds United’s promotion back to the Premier League.
However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s arrival last summer quickly changed his situation. Piroe slipped down the pecking order and struggled to find regular minutes at Elland Road.
He effectively became fourth choice among Leeds’ attacking options despite the club not having four natural centre-forwards, making it clear that Daniel Farke did not see him as someone capable of leading the line in the Premier League.
Farke has always praised Piroe’s finishing ability, but he also pointed to the striker’s lack of mobility and physicality as weaknesses that could hold him back at the highest level.
With Piroe now confirmed as a West Ham player, his time at Elland Road has come to an end. His departure also leaves Leeds with a vacancy up front as they continue their search for another striker.
