Joel Piroe facing squeeze as Leeds United ‘to move for’ Joshua Zirkzee | OneFootball

With January looming, Leeds United’s pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee could further marginalise Joel Piroe, whose minutes have already dwindled.

Leedsunited.news reports that Leeds and West Ham have enquired about the Netherlands international ahead of January, adding that, although close to the PSR line, the 49ers may still back spending. Zirkzee is expected to move for game time to revive his World Cup hopes, though he is not thought to be especially keen on Elland Road.

Leeds tried and failed to land Harry Wilson, Facundo Buonanotte and Igor Paixao in the summer, and Dan James’s injury has underlined the need for attacking quality. A fresh option in the final third remains a priority.

Piroe arrived to realise a Premier League ambition but has not started a league match since the 5-0 defeat at Arsenal. Another forward who can drop off the front would push him further down the pecking order, and Zirkzee has been praised by Robert Lewandowski as an upgrade on Piroe.

Leeds paid £16m for Piroe in summer 2023 on a four-year deal to June 2027. In PSR terms, anything above £6m would count as profit now, so a sale might suit all parties if a buyer emerges. Piroe has already alerted his agents that a January move could be possible and his lack of starts will frustrate him, even if Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form makes selection hard to dispute.

Source: Leedsunited.news