In an interview with ESPN (via Sport Witness), Leeds United forward Joel Piroe disclosed that he decided to stay with his current team instead of joining a “lesser” Premier League team during the summer transfer window.
The Dutchman had previously played for Swansea City, but for a good portion of his time there, there were questions about his future despite the forward’s success under Russell Martin.
In addition, there were increasing rumors of a possible transfer during the previous window, even though the player only had a year left on his deal at Swansea.com Stadium.
Despite connections to teams like Atalanta, Leeds, Leicester City, and Southampton, it had previously been claimed that he was expected to stay in South Wales.
However, he ultimately completed a move to the Whites, and Leeds, who added a number of excellent players in the summer transfer window, viewed him as another solid acquisition.
He was expected to be a true asset at Elland Road after being productive at this level for the previous two seasons previously to this one. Despite occasional criticism, he has had positive effects for the West Yorkshire team at other times.
Regarding the summer window, Piroe said, “There were several options.”
It should come as no surprise that Piroe generated a lot of interest during the previous window, and Leeds wasn’t the only suitor.
Regarding his choice to move to Elland Road, he stated (as reported by Sport Witness): “There were several possibilities. A better team in the Championship or a lower-tier squad in the Premier League has to be chosen.
“After giving it some contemplation, I decided that I truly wanted to go Leeds United. With Swansea, I never really played for promotion. As an attacker, I anticipated having far more opportunities per game at a top team like Leeds than at a Premier League low flyer.
Additionally, Leeds offered a higher likelihood of playing time than the Premier League did. I have observed how crucial that is throughout my career thus far. Leeds made a really thoughtful decision about the sports plan.”
Joel Piroe may have made the right call to join Leeds United
Even though Leeds lost their third-place ranking, they are now in a respectable standing.
At this level, Daniel Farke has demonstrated his ability to succeed in promotions, and the Whites could benefit greatly from him going forward. If Leeds didn’t succeed under him, it would be surprising, and you think Piroe will be a key component of that.
The Dutchman may have seen an intriguing opportunity to join a lower league team, but there’s no guarantee he would have made the starting lineup.
His decision to join Leeds could prove to be a wise one, since he should be starting games at his age and with his talent. But only time shall tell.
