Swansea City to sell star striker ahead of PNE clash
Swansea City are facing a major blow ahead of facing Preston North End as Joel Piroe nears a move to Leeds United.
The Swans head to Deepdale this weekend with boss Michael Duff – the former Burnley defender – seeking a big away win.
Duff took over from Russell Martin this summer following his move to Southampton.
Swansea are yet to win a league game so far this season, picking up two points from the opening three games of the season.
Duff will be desperate to get that first win under his belt and PNE are now in their sights.
Swansea may well have to do it without star striker Joel Piroe though as he appears to nearing a move away from South Wales.
Earlier today, Duff told Wales Online that he expected goal machine Piroe to be starting against PNE this weekend.
Well, the situation has changed fairly rapidly.
Fabrizio Romano now reports that Piroe was on his way to undergo a medical with Leeds United around lunchtime.
Leeds had been chasing a deal for former PNE loanee Cameron Archer but missed out to Sheffield United, meaning they are pivoting to Piroe.
Famed transfer insider Romano claims that Leeds and Swansea have now agreed terms over Piroe and his move should be done by the end of the week.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay that Leeds are hoping to get Piroe signed up inside the next 24 hours with a deal moving forward quickly.
That means Piroe is very unlikely to be in action against PNE this weekend.
Leeds will be paying millions for Piroe and won’t want to take any risks in terms of him potentially picking up an injury against North End.
That’s a major boost for PNE, who have seen Piroe score three times in four outings against North End since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven in 2021.
Piroe has been one of the Championship’s top strikers in the last couple of seasons and he will be a major miss for the Swans.
North End will still have to be wary of many talented players in the Swansea side but no Piroe for the trip to Deepdale is an enormous blow for Duff and co as they chase a first league win of the season.
