Since the summer of 2024, Leeds United have taken huge strides on and off the pitch and have cemented themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke had to pick his players up ahead of the 2024/25 campaign after missing out on Championship promotion the year prior, but returned and won the title after achieving 100 points.
The return to England’s top-flight has seen the Whites get in amongst some of the biggest sides in the division and achieve survival with ease by the end of May.
Such an achievement has allowed the 49ers to make some key signings this summer, but the arrivals have undoubtedly led to other players being allowed to depart.
Why Piroe was worth every penny for Leeds
As part of Leeds’ ambitions of returning to the Premier League after dropping into the second tier, Leeds completed the £10m signing of striker Joel Piroe from Swansea City.
The Suriname star was tasked with providing the goods within the final third at Elland Road – and it’s safe to say he managed to do exactly that during his two years in the Championship.
The 27-year-old netted 33 goals in his two years as a regular starter for the Whites and largely operated as Farke’s main talisman during the aforementioned campaigns.
However, he’s since struggled to reach the same heights in the Premier League, with Piroe only starting two games last term and totalling just 246 senior minutes.
|
Joel Piroe – goals by season |
|
|---|---|
|
Season |
Goals |
|
2025/26 |
1 |
|
2024/25 |
19 |
|
2023/24 |
16 |
|
2022/23 |
20 |
|
2021/22 |
24 |
|
2020/21 |
5 |
His only goal of the 2025/26 campaign came in the FA Cup, with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha ahead of him in the manager’s pecking order.
A departure has been hugely touted this summer, and he looks to be edging ever closer to joining West Ham United on a loan move, which includes an obligation to buy.
It’s been a disappointing end to his career in Yorkshire, but there’s no denying he was worth every penny, as his goals have provided Leeds the platform to push in the Premier League today.
How Leeds can secure the dream Piroe replacement this summer
With Piroe’s pending departure, it would be a surprise to no one if Farke’s men delved back into the transfer market to land another striker before the window closes.
Carlos Espi and Loïs Openda were seen as key targets earlier in the window, but both have since completed moves to other clubs – which has seen the Whites dip back into the window.
Despite big money already splashed during the off-season, the 49ers appear to be willing to spend added funds, as Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirović has once again appeared in their sights.
It’s been reported by MOT Leeds News that the Bosnian international is seen as a possible target and could link up with compatriot Tarik Muharemovic upon any move.
It’s unclear if the Bundesliga outfit would be open to selling the 28-year-old this summer, but Farke’s side could well be willing to test their resolve in the weeks ahead.
However, previous reports have suggested that a deal would be achievable this summer, but only if the Whites are prepared to meet the current £25m asking price.
Such a fee may seem like a lofty price point for the attacker, but it could prove to be an excellent deal for Leeds should he continue his excellent goalscoring form.
Demirovic has netted 29 goals across the last two seasons, even featuring in the Champions League and Europa League – competitions the Whites faithful will want to be featuring in next campaign.
His underlying stats also make for excellent reading, with his figures from the recent campaign in Germany highlighting why he could be the perfect player to replace Piroe.
Alongside his tally of 12 league goals last term, the Bosnian managed to register 1.3 shots on target per 90 whilst also registering an impressive 54% shot-on-target accuracy rate.
Both of the aforementioned figures ranked him in the top 15% of all strikers in Europe’s top-five leagues – showcasing his top-level talent within forward areas.
However, he has also demonstrated his ability to lead the line and provide a focal point to play off – something which is vital in Farke’s current system at Elland Road.
He won 1.9 aerial battles per 90, whilst also registering 0.3 big chances created – which placed him above 70% of other centre-forwards in the Bundesliga, and backing up one analyst’s comment that he’s “outstanding.”
Whilst Demirovic is a huge aerial asset and a strong offensive option, he’s demonstrated his ability to glide past the opposition, as seen by his 55% dribble success rate.
£25m could prove to be an excellent deal for the Whites in the closing stages of the window – especially if he can transfer his superb goalscoring record from Germany.
Piroe’s departure has opened the door for the Bosnian to make the move to Yorkshire and hand Farke the added attacking talent he’s hunting for this summer.
