How Joel Piroe Could Elevate Leeds United’s Promotion Hopes
SWANSEA, WALES - AUGUST 08: Joel Piroe of Swansea City celebrates scoring during the Carabao Cup first-round match between Swansea City and Northampton Town at the Swansea.com Stadium.
If it wasn’t clear already from Elland Road, it is now: Leeds has no intention of spending more than one season in the Championship. The Peacocks managed to outbid everyone for Piroe, bringing in a proven goal-scorer who has already made a difference in Leeds’ push back to the Premier League, having netted in his debut match at Ipswich Town.
Piroe has scored 38 goals from non-penalty situations over the past two seasons in the Championship, and having him at Elland Road says that Leeds is selling a vision of getting through one slog before a return to the top.
Will it work? That’s to be seen. Here’s why.
The Missing Piece: Why Leeds United Still Needs Another Attacker
There are still a few problems that can’t be fixed until Leeds actually gets up to the Prem. That’s why Max Aarons said no to Leeds when Bournemouth came calling and Nadiem Amiri chose Bayer Leverkusen over Elland Road: neither wanted to be in the second-tier.
Piroe represents a watershed move because he’s willing to work at a lower level to enter the Premier League as a top option for a newly promoted side. But getting there only happens if Leeds can find that second star to keep the pressure on opponents and compensate for Piroe’s defensive liabilities. Currently, that player doesn’t seem to be on the roster.
The Piroe-Kamara Partnership: A Dynamic Duo in the Making?
The fact that that’s obvious doesn’t change that it’s true. That’s why Leeds appears to be about to sign Glen Kamara from Rangers to bolster the midfield. Until pen is put to paper, nothing is final, but Rangers boss Michael Beale sounds like Kamara is well on his way to Elland Road.
If it happens, this could be a tough combination for other Championship sides to stop. A partnership that gets the ball to Piroe regularly likely makes Leeds a promotion favorite.
Financial Commitment: Will Leeds Splash More Cash?
A 1-2-1 start wasn’t in anyone’s plans to start the year, but it’s still early. There’s plenty of time for Daniel Farke’s new signings to get on the same page and start stringing some wins together. The 49ers’ ownership group has made clear that it will spend what it takes to get back to the top division, and Farke won’t be shy about asking for another player if he needs to keep remaking his side.
Expect Leeds to build around Piroe and go from there. As long as he produces at Elland Road, the Peacocks will be in the mix for a promotion slot.
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