Archie Gray and Manor Solomon react as Joel Piroe leaves Leeds United for West Ham | OneFootball

Joel Piroe has left Leeds United for West Ham on an initial loan, with both clubs confirming the move on Wednesday. The switch prompted swift reactions from Archie Gray and Manor Solomon.

West Ham pursued the striker over the weekend, bidding £12.8m after Leeds set a £16m valuation, and pressed on. Piroe had initially preferred to stay despite failing to score a Premier League goal last season.

The Dutchman started only two Premier League matches, the openers at Everton and Arsenal, yet was pivotal in Daniel Farke’s promotion side. He scored more than 30 Championship goals across two seasons, lifting the 2024-25 Golden Boot.

He thanked Leeds supporters, said the memories would last and wished the club well, adding that he hoped to face them in the Premier League.

Gray, now in London and captaining Tottenham in pre-season under Roberto De Zerbi after a £40m move in 2024, wished him good luck. Solomon has joined West Ham permanently, scored on debut against Burnley on Sunday and signalled a phone chat with Piroe as they prepare to reunite.

The loan includes an obligation to buy if West Ham are promoted, and the permanent fee is expected to exceed the initial offer. Leeds therefore have a financial incentive to see the Hammers go up at the first attempt.

Source: Leedsunited.news

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