Joel Piroe exit edges closer as Leeds identify top replacement

Joel Piroe has moved closer to leaving Leeds United following a tough season in the top flight as they target Zian Flemming to replace him, sources have told Football Insider.

Piroe has failed to make an impact in the Premier League despite firing Leeds to promotion as the Championship’s top scorer last season.

The 26-year-old has only managed two starts in the top flight so far, and has looked set to leave Elland Road this summer for numerous months.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Piroe is now almost certain to depart Leeds with Burnley forward Flemming on their radar.

The Suriname international is likely to command a decent transfer fee, in a boost to Leeds’ transfer plans as they plan several key additions.

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Joel Prioe even more likely to leave as Leeds target Zian Flemming

Piroe has only managed one cameo appearance in Leeds’ last six games in all competitions, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and Lukas Nmecha each ahead of him in Daniel Farke’s striker pecking order.

Leeds are interested in Flemming after his impressive season at already-relegated Burnley, with Piroe now moving closer to a summer exit.

Appearances14
Minutes played218′
Shots11
Successful pass %82.6%
Chances created1
Duels won6
Dispossessed5
Piroe’s 2025-26 PL stats

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “We expect the likes of Joel Piroe to move on from Leeds, and potentially others.

“Flemming has proved that he can score goals in the Premier League and that’s probably why you’ve got Leeds and others looking at him.

“Leeds could be a good fit for him because they will look to strengthen their attacking options in the summer.”

Rangers tipped to use 49ers connection to swoop for Piroe

Reports emerged in January claiming that Celtic were targeting a move for Piroe, but their approach was shrugged off due to Leeds’ shared ownership with arch-rivals Rangers.

Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness has exclusively told Football Insider that Piroe could join Rangers this summer due to the 49ers connection.

He turned down a move to Leicester City in the winter, so seems reluctant to drop back into the Championship after winning last season’s golden boot.

That could boost Rangers’ chances of agreeing a move with his camp, with Danny Rohl targeting several new striker additions after a poor end to the campaign.

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