Joel Piroe wants to leave Leeds United before the transfer window closes, but his representatives feel the club are pricing him out of a move.
Leeds set an asking price of £16million plus bonuses at the start of the window and, up to now, no club has met that.
Piroe’s agent, Theo Roebbers, has told The Athletic he believes it is not realistic to expect a club to pay this amount after the striker played so little football last season. He has also made it clear if the 27-year-old is not moved on in this window, he is prepared to leave for nothing when his contract expires.
The player’s contract ends in June 2027, though Leeds have the option to extend it by an extra 12 months. Interest was registered from various clubs in England as well as Europe, including La Liga side Alaves, in Piroe. However, interested parties are yet to make a bid close to the price tag Leeds have set.
A meeting between the player’s representative and the club was held this week. This opened the door to the possibility of a lower fee, with a permanent sale remaining United’s preference, though a loan with an obligation to make it permanent could be considered.
In a statement to The Athletic, Roebbers said if a solution is not reached during the summer window, Leeds “need never call me again”.
Piroe has fallen down the pecking order at Leeds over the past 15 months, since promotion from the Championship was secured. Last season, he played just 258 minutes in the Premier League and was left on the bench in recent friendlies with RB Leipzig and Manchester United.
Piroe joined Leeds from Swansea City in the summer of 2023. He has made 118 appearances for the club, providing 34 goals and 10 assists.
