Leeds United go into the January transfer window with a more defined outlook, focusing on strengthening their attacking and defensive options as they aim to boost their Premier League survival hopes.
A recent run of improved results has brought greater stability and eased some of the pressure on Daniel Farke, but there remain clear areas of the squad that require attention heading into the second half of the campaign.
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Those needs have been highlighted by tactical changes. The shift to a 5-3-2 formation has increased reliance on an extra striker, while also underlining the need to assess reinforcements in defensive areas.
Leeds have already sanctioned loan departures for Jack Harrison and Harry Gray. However, they remain vigilant about what to do with Joel Piroe, who has not indicated that he wants to leave.
Leeds United open to offers for Joel Piroe in January
According to The Athletic’s Beren Cross
Piroe started in the FA Cup win over Derby on Sunday. However, he produced a lacklustre performance and missed a penalty in the first half.
The striker has not completely ruled out leaving Leeds in the winter transfer window. However, he has expressed his desire to stay and fight for his place before evaluating his options in the summer.
Leeds are open to signing one more striker in the winter window, and the departure of Piroe could free up funds to bring in a new forward this month.
Leeds are ready to evaluate offers for the Dutch forward in the winter transfer window if they receive a few.
However, a departure seems unlikely as Piroe wants to stay and fight for a place in the Leeds team in the second half of the season.
Even if Leeds agree on a deal to move him on, the offer would have to suit the striker, and as things stand, he does not want to leave Elland Road this month.
Read more: Joel Piroe make surprise Leeds United transfer admission
Selling Piroe without a replacement lined up would be a big mistake
Leeds would be left short of strikers if even Piroe leaves before the end of the transfer window.
The Dutchman has not started a Premier League game in months and has largely been consigned to appearances from the bench this season.
However, he is still one more attacking option in the squad, whom Daniel Farke has described as the ‘best finisher’ he has worked with.
Joel Piroe’s per-90 attacking output and percentile rankings over the last year
| Statistic (per 90) | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Non-penalty goals | 0.43 | 74 |
| npxG (non-penalty xG) | 0.53 | 88 |
| Shots total | 2.98 | 78 |
| Assists | 0.11 | 64 |
| xAG (expected assisted goals) | 0.12 | 70 |
| npxG + xAG | 0.64 | 85 |
| Shot-creating actions | 2.54 | 75 |
With attacking signings looking increasingly likely, Leeds cannot afford to lose Piroe and risk weakening the squad for the latter half of the season.
Piroe wants to stay and fight for his chances, and that is exactly the kind of attitude Farke needs from his players as Leeds look to secure Premier League survival.
His departure should only be sanctioned if Leeds sign one more striker this month, which seems unlikely at the moment.
