Exclusive: Joel Piroe set to be ‘forced out’ of Leeds amid Rangers transfer update
Joel Piroe may find himself forced into pursuing a move away from Leeds United at the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.
The Whites aim to strengthen their squad this summer if they survive in the Premier League, and that looks set to push the striker even further down the pecking order.
Rangers showed a significant interest in Piroe during the recent January transfer window, and sources have indicated that their interest is likely to return at the end of the current campaign.
They are expected to face competition for the 26-year-old from the English Championship, where he is viewed as a proven goalscorer.
Leeds appear increasingly likely to preserve their top-flight status as they are now six points clear of the relegation zone, and that looks set to have a serious impact on Piroe’s future.
Rangers hold crucial advantage in the race for Joel Piroe
Football Insider revealed back in January that Rangers could look to exploit their ownership links with Leeds in order to strike a favourable deal for Piroe.
The Glasgow giants and the West Yorkshire outfit are both under the control of the 49ers Enterprises, with Paraag Marathe chairman of Leeds, and vice-chair of the Gers at the moment.
The close links between the two clubs are expected to play a key role in any potential move for Piroe, especially if Rangers continue to pursue additions to their attack this summer.
Piroe has found it difficult to make an impact for Leeds upon their return to the Premier League this term, as he has quickly fallen behind the duo of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the pecking order.
He has still played just 208 minutes of league football in 2025-26, which is a far cry from the last season’s title-winning campaign in the Championship, when he started in 36 league games.
The former Swansea City man has not been able to adapt to the level of the Premier League so far, and that looks set to leave him on the chopping block at Elland Road this summer.
This is why Leeds wouldn’t let Piroe leave in January
Both Rangers and Celtic were heavily linked with Piroe throughout the winter window, but Leeds stood firm in their desire to keep hold of the frontman.
Football Insider revealed in January that Daniel Farke was keen to keep the key members of his squad intact until the end of the season, to give his team the best possible chance of avoiding relegation.
Piroe was considered to be part of the German’s core group despite the lack of minutes that he has received, as a result of the limited depth that the Whites have to lead the line.
The frontman was never likely to depart Elland Road in the middle of the campaign, but it could be a different story this summer, as it looks increasingly likely that his team will beat the drop.
For all the latest updates on Piroe’s future at Leeds, check out the expert analysis on MOT Leeds News.