How Leeds United's Joel Piroe feels about joining Middlesbrough FC or Celtic as update emerges | OneFootball

Middlesbrough have been linked with a move for Joel Piroe this January

The stance of Joel Piroe on potentially leaving Leeds United amid reported interest from Celtic and Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough has emerged in a fresh update.

The striker's future has been uncertain with the Yorkshire outfit due to his lack of playing time in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old joined Leeds in the 2023 summer transfer window, and he was crucial to Daniel Farke’s side during his first two seasons with the club, including scoring 19 goals in 2024/25 to help the team gain promotion.

However, he has played in just 10 of their opening 21 Premier League fixtures, starting only twice, as he’s fallen down the pecking order.

Joel Piroe set to fight for Leeds United place amid Middlesbrough, Celtic transfer interest

According to Sky Sports (13.58), the forward’s preference is to remain at Elland Road beyond the 2 February deadline. It’s believed that Piroe is planning to fight for his place in the Leeds first team for the second half of the season, having struggled for regular minutes under Farke.

It was reported earlier this month that Middlesbrough are interested in the forward in a bid to bolster their options for their push for promotion to the top flight.

Celtic also emerged as a potential destination for Piroe, but it’s understood that Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe has no intention of agreeing a loan move with the Scottish giants.

Marathe is also the vice chair at Celtic’s major rivals Rangers, which will prove a stumbling block in any possible move for the striker.

However, Middlesbrough are also set to be disappointed in their pursuit of Piroe, with the player looking to remain with the Premier League side beyond this January.

Kim Hellberg’s side are currently second in the Championship table, but lead Ipswich Town in third by just two points while also having played one fixture more.

Next up for Boro is a trip to face seventh place Stoke City on 21 January in an 8pm kick-off.

Joel Piroe update is a Middlesbrough FC transfer blow

Piroe would be a great signing for Middlesbrough given how important he was for Leeds in their promotion efforts, in which the forward finished as the top scorer at Elland Road to help them to the title.

He’s a proven goal scorer at this level, having previously found the back of the net for fun with Swansea City, and he knows what it takes to compete for a top two place in the division.

But if he is unwilling to leave Leeds this month, then it’s very unlikely that the Teesside outfit will be able to convince him otherwise. After starring for so many years at Championship level, it's understandable why Piroe wants to remain in West Yorkshire and fight for his place at Premier League level.

If Middlesbrough are keen on bolstering their attacking options this month, then they should already be working on alternative targets, as time is quickly running out on the January market.