Following a hectic, rollercoaster summer transfer season, Leeds United can now concentrate completely on their efforts on the field.
After losing their place in the Premier League due to a poor season, Leeds are hoping to finish near the top of the Championship table this season in order to make an immediate return to the big time.
After three years in the Premier League, the Whites deservedly lost a slew of first-teamers, with no fewer than 15 departing before Friday’s transfer deadline.
However, there have been a slew of new signings, with newly-appointed manager Daniel Farke now looking to build a successful season for the illustrious west Yorkshire club.
What players did Leeds sign this summer?
This Leeds side has a totally different feel now that the churning waves of the summer market have settled, with promotion specialist Farke – who has twice taken Norwich City out of the second tier – downsizing the bloated roster.
After making nine recruits in the last few months, the German will be aiming for a more unified, cohesive group than the one that has struggled for form and mobility in recent seasons.
To bolster the backline, Joe Rodon, Sam Byram, and Djed Spence have been signed, while Karl Darlow has been signed to provide competition for the under-fire shot-stopper Illian Meslier; and the versatile Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Glen Kamara have been added to bolster the midfield.
Farke will have known the importance of signing a suitable replacement for star striker Rodrigo, and while there was an interminable period of anxious waiting for the Whites faithful, patience was rewarded with the signing of Swansea City striker Joel Piroe, worth more than £10 million.
Is Joel Piroe a striker?
According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Farke told the 49ers Enterprises – the club owners – that scoring at least 75 goals is paramount to the outfit’s chances of an instantaneous return to the Premier League, and a sure-fire way to achieve that is by securing the services of a clinical striker.
Piroe is the man for the job, with the Dutchman proving to be one of the Championship’s most prolific forwards across the past two campaigns, scoring 23 goals across the 2021/22 term before netting 20 last season.
There was much talk over his future with Swansea this summer, with Leeds battling against fellow relegated teams Leicester City and Southampton for his signature, with Everton also interested.
The prospect of a talismanic role under Farke’s wing was enough to convince the 24-year-old that he was best placed to make the switch to Leeds, and indeed received early affirmation that his decision was apt after netting on his debut during a thrilling 4-3 victory over Ipswich Town.
Whether Piroe finishes the term as the prolific star Farke coveted this summer remains to be seen, but the omens bode well and the Elland Road side have taken the right steps towards combatting the leave of a talisman labelled a “class above” by BBC commentator Pat Nevin last season.
Will Joel Piroe replace Rodrigo?
There is no denying that Rodrigo enjoyed a tremendous individual campaign last year, scoring 13 Premier League goals from 31 appearances, including just 23 starting displays, and it was somewhat inevitable that he would depart the club following relegation.
Signing for Qatari side Al-Rayann after his low-value £3m release clause was met, the Spaniard finished his time in England on a low, but his Elland Road exit did confirm to Farke that signing a new focal frontman would be the centre of the summer transfer plans.
Described as a “livewire” by former forward Aaron McLean, the 28-cap Spaniard ranks among the top 26% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, as per FBref, at a scoring rate of 0.46 – meaning he found the back of the net almost once every two outings.
Impressive, right? Especially when considering that the 32-year-old played in such a weak Leeds team last term, devoid of hope, drained of confidence in the campaign’s decisive closing stage.
Losing him was a blow, but indeed an anticipated matter, and with Piroe now spearheading the seasonal assault, the 49ers might have actually landed a gem to surpass Rodrigo’s role at the club.
Hailed for his “clinical” ability by journalist Josh Bunting, the 6 foot 1 attacker ranks among the top 30% of positional peers across Men’s Next Eight divisions – below Europe’s top five leagues – for goals, the top 13% for total shots taken, the top 3% for pass completion and the top 17% for interceptions per 90.
The sharpshooter’s crisp ball-playing skills are notably important to Farke’s plans, with the 46-year-old implementing a possession-based system, crafting intricate, intelligent movements to shepherd the ball into dangerous areas.
Rodrigo, on the other hand, ranks only 37% of his positional peers in pass completion; Farke has a plan and is seeking to develop his team with a clear vision, utilizing Piroe’s talents to improve the general cohesion and flow of his side.
Leeds have not had the perfect start to the season that fans will have hoped for after a disastrous year in the Premier League, but this was maybe to be expected considering the club’s turbulent summer.
The Whites now appear to have shaved off the lethargy and can focus on the efforts on the pitch, having jettisoned the disgruntled players dreaming of pastures new and making additions for stars.
Piroe, who has been lauded by Benjamin Bloom for his “brilliant” exploits on English soil, will provide a consistent goal threat and poise in attacking transitions, precise with his passing and intelligent with his movement.
Rodrigo was well praised for his cutting edge throughout a difficult season, but the page has turned at Elland Road, and Piroe, as one of the Championship’s best attackers, is the man to lead the line and send the passionate Leeds supporters into rapture once more.
