Leeds United are set to sanction striker Joel Pillow’s departure in January in exchange for a ‘difference-making’ forward.
The Dutchman was a key figure for Los Blancos last season, helping them secure promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, scoring 19 league goals and producing some big moments along the way.
However, Piroué has found it difficult to return to the top flight and play an important role due to a significant improvement in his defensive quality, making him only a starter in three games in all competitions.
The 28-year-old is also still searching for his first goal or first assist of the 2025-26 season, underscoring the difficulties he faces in terms of making an impact.
Manager Daniel Farke is finding it difficult to give Piroué the playing time he so desperately desires, potentially paving the way for him to leave in January, whether on loan or on a permanent basis.
Leeds could aim to seal ‘difference-making’ signing
Author The AthleticManager Belen Kross admitted that while it was unlikely that Pirouet would leave Leeds in January, it would become more likely if he could secure a replacement who would “make a difference”.
“Unless Calvert-Lewin and Lucas Nmeka are injured, Piroue will have to fend for himself with a cameo off the bench for the foreseeable future.”
“I don’t think United would allow him to leave unless they have effectively moved out of the bottom three, or whether his departure facilitates the arrival of a replacement who brings change to the attack. Given Calvert-Lewin and Nmeka’s injury history, it is hard to see how Piroue could no longer be needed.”
Leeds are certain to be conflicted about Pillow’s future, given that although he is not currently a key player, he will provide the team with attacking depth in the event of an injury as the season progresses.
The former Netherlands Under-20 player is a player that Coach Falke has talked about passionately in the past, even calling him a “world-class” soccer player.
“For me, he’s the best finisher I’ve ever worked with, and we’ve had some good finishers before. If I want a player with the ball at his feet 20 yards out, I’ll always choose Joel Pillow, because he’s an incredible finisher and really world class in this sense.”
Joe Pillow’s international statistics | cap | the goal |
|---|---|---|
Netherlands U-21 National Team | 4 | 1 |
Netherlands Under 20 years old | 13 | 8 |
Netherlands U-18 | 4 | 0 |
Netherlands U-16 National Team | 2 | 1 |
Netherlands U-15 National Team | 3 | 0 |
It feels far more likely that Pillow will remain a Leeds player beyond January than move on, but it will be interesting to see who the Whites move to if the latter becomes reality.
To justify his departure and boost their hopes of remaining in the Premier League for another season, they will need to upgrade their current attacking squad.
