Middlesbrough warned about chasing 'expensive' Leeds United transfer | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are reportedly eyeing a summer transfer move for Leeds United forward, Joel Piroe, who has been told he can depart Elland Road.

Middlesbrough are seemingly preparing for a busy summer transfer window ahead, regardless of which division they're playing their football in next season.

Boro are well-positioned to push for a timely return to the Premier League, although they'll likely have to go achieve that via the Championship play-offs.

Plenty of Kim Hellberg's side have chipped in with notable goal contributions this season, with Morgan Whittaker (14) and Hayden Hackney (12) leading the way in Boro's top goalscorer chart in the second tier.

David Strelec has netted seven goals in the Championship so far this season, and Middlesbrough are reportedly keen on signing another centre forward as the summer transfer window edges closer to opening.

It's been claimed by TEAMtalk that Middlesbrough are rivalling Rangers for the potential signing of Leeds United forward, Joel Piroe, who has reportedly been told that he is 'free to leave' this summer.

Piroe played a key role for Leeds in their promotion-winning campaign in the 2024/25 season, scoring 19 goals in 46 appearances for the Yorkshire-based giants.

Middlesbrough verdict issued on Joel Piroe

Piroe has fallen out of favour in the pecking order in Daniel Farke's Leeds side this season, which isn't too surprising given the strong form shown by Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

He's made just two Premier League starts for Leeds this season, and given that he's only got one year remaining on his current contract with the Whites, it's not too surprising to hear that Daniel Farke has reportedly given the green light for Piroe to head for the Elland Road exit door.

Football League World's Middlesbrough fan pundit, Liam Day issued his verdict on Boro's rumoured interest in signing Piroe, and he felt as though the club shouldn't pursue the 26-year-old as their top target, particularly when they already have a striker that plays similarly in David Strelec.

"To be honest, I think he's quite similar to David Strelec in terms of not being an out-and-out number nine. He likes to link up play a lot, and whilst there's no doubt a lot of quality there, he's scored a lot of goals in this league before, and I think he's a very decent finisher.

"I wouldn't mind it if Boro signed him, but would he be my number one target? Absolutely not. He'd be quite expensive, and realistically, if you can get him on a decent deal, then maybe, but he didn't want the move in January, and I feel as though that's quite off-putting."

Would Piroe suit Middlesbrough's style?

Middlesbrough were previously interested in a deal to sign Piroe, but a move failed to materialise due to the Dutchman wanting to fight for his place in the Leeds team, which ultimately didn't happen in the second-half of the 2025/26 campaign.

Day went on to state that he respects Piroe for his willingness to try and fight for his Leeds future, before again admitting that he thinks the forward isn't what Boro need right now, especially when they have David Strelec in their squad, who plays to a similar role to what Piroe would in Kim Hellberg's team.

"You want players that want to be here, and are keen to get games under their belt. I respect him for trying to fight for a place at Leeds, but he realistically knew that wasn't going to happen. I don't think this is one that Boro should really go for, as I want an out-and-out number nine who can run off David Strelec's hold-up play, and I don't think Joel Piroe would offer that."

It remains to be seen whether Middlesbrough or Rangers are leading the race to strike a permanent agreement with Leeds for Piroe's services, and it would be interesting to see how he would fit into Kim Hellberg's plans.

A move to the Riverside for Piroe could depend on which division Boro are playing their football in next season, as he could be a shrewd addition with proven experience for a Championship side, but in terms of Premier League quality, he's not been given enough of an opportunity to impress in the top-flight.