West Ham confirm Joel Piroe signing from Leeds

West Ham United have signed Joel Piroe from Leeds United on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy.

The Athletic reported earlier this week that the 27-year-old forward was viewed as a top transfer target by head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and the recruitment team. Piroe, who will wear the No 9 jersey, scored 34 goals across 118 appearances during his three-year spell at Leeds between 2023-26.

He played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League during the 2024-25 season. The Suriname international ended the campaign as the top scorer with 19 goals in 46 appearances.

“It’s a joy to have got everything over the line,” Piroe told West Ham’s website. “I’m delighted to be here and I’m ready to go!

“I see West Ham as a club that really wants to be in the Premier League, and I think should be in the Premier League. With my experience, I think I can help the club a lot to achieve what they want to achieve, and I think it’s a good opportunity for me to show what I’ve learnt and how I’ve grown as a football player over the years.

“Nils (Koppen) and Nuno have both been very clear about what the goals for the club are, both in the short term and in the long term. They talked to me about how they see the team being set up, and it felt like a good match for me. I’m just really looking forward to joining the group, and working with the other guys on the grass.”

Piroe is West Ham’s fourth summer signing following the additions of defender Joel Veltman, winger Manor Solomon and midfielder Arne Engels.

A signing West Ham needed

It was evident during the season opener against Burnley that West Ham needed to augment their forward options. During the 2-2 draw, striker Pablo was substituted at the interval due to sustaining a calf injury. Nuno, though, brought on midfielder James Ward-Prowse as opposed to untested academy forwards Joshua Ajala and Josh Landers.

It may have been a factor behind West Ham acting quickly to sign Piroe before this weekend’s home game against London rivals Charlton Athletic. Piroe’s proven track record in the Championship is a welcome boost for Nuno. He follows in the footsteps of fan favourites Michail Antonio, Andy Carroll, Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton in wearing the No 9 shirt.