Ipswich & Middlesbrough transfer boost? Leeds United make Joel Piroe decision | OneFootball

Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town were both linked with Joel Piroe in the January transfer window

Joel Piroe’s future was the subject of intense speculation in the January transfer window amid interest in the Leeds United player from Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town.

The two clubs are chasing promotion to the Premier League this season, and they both have their sights set on a top two place.

The Tractor Boys are keen to make an immediate return to the top flight after being relegated in 2025, while Kim Hellberg’s team are hoping to end a nine-year absence from the division.

The winter market saw them both look to bolster their attacking options, with reports linking them with a move for Piroe.

However, the Dutchman remained at Elland Road for the second half of the season, with Leeds looking to secure their place in the Premier League.

Daniel Farke’s side are now six points clear of the bottom three, and are beginning to tentatively plan for the summer.

Leeds United’s Joel Piroe stance amid Middlesbrough, Ipswich interest

According to Football Insider, Piroe is set to be forced out of Leeds at the end of the season as he continues to struggle for game time.

It has been claimed that Rangers currently have the edge in the race to his signature due to their connection with the Yorkshire outfit.

49ers Enterprises have a controlling stake in both clubs, which would make it much easier for Leeds and Rangers to negotiate a deal for the striker.

However, it’s understood that interest is expected in the 26-year-old from teams in the Championship, which may include Ipswich and Middlesbrough again.

Piroe has a contract with the Whites until June 2027, meaning he will be entering the final 12 months of his deal at Elland Road in the summer.

The forward was crucial to Leeds gaining promotion to the Premier League last season, as he contributed 19 goals and seven assists, with the team winning the Championship title.

But he has been unable to earn regular game time under Farke this term, featuring just 11 times in the Premier League, including only two starts.

He has yet to score in the top flight, as Leeds look to solidify their place in the division long-term.

Joel Piroe’s future will be up in the air until the season ends

Piroe making the move to Rangers makes a lot of sense given the connection between Leeds and the Glasgow giants.

However, if Ipswich or Middlesbrough can offer Premier League football for next season, then perhaps he could be tempted to remain in England instead.

So any decision over his future will likely have to wait until the season is concluded, although an exit from Elland Road does look quite clear at this stage unless Leeds drop back into the Championship.

Given he is entering the final year of his contract, the Whites will be keen to offload the forward and recoup a fee for him instead of risk losing him for nothing in 2027.