'Next week' - Transfer demand from West Ham boss amid Leeds striker enquiry
Yorkshire Evening Post · Kyle Newbould · 2026-08-17T10:55:23+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Transfer demand from West Ham boss amid Leeds United striker enquiry
The Championship side have enquired about Leeds United frontman Joel Piroe.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo admits more attacking options are needed amid interest in Leeds United striker Joel Piroe.
The YEP understands Piroe has been the subject of a transfer enquiry from the Championship side, who threw away a two-goal lead late on to draw 2-2 with Burnley on Sunday. Leeds are open to a departure but would like a permanent sale for a fee around £16million.
According to The Athletic, Piroe’s representatives believe that price-tag is killing interest but West Ham have emerged as a potential suitor. Reports elsewhere suggest the Hammers could take the 27-year-old on loan with an obligation to buy if they are promoted at the first time of asking.
Speaking after Sunday’s draw, West Ham boss Espirito Santo said: “The transfer window is open, so we have to be ready for everything. Unfortunately, today Pablo [Felipe] felt something in his calf at half-time.
“For me we need more options in the offensive part of the team, of course. Hopefully for next week we are going to have more options and our game will improve.”
West Ham have also been linked with interest in former Leicester striker Jamie Vardy and Troy Parrott, who is currently at AZ Alkmaar. It remains to be seen if they will be willing to match Leeds’ £16m price-tag for Piroe, or if Elland Road chiefs decide to find a compromise.
Piroe didn’t start a Premier League game for Leeds after August and failed to score a single goal last season. He was introduced off the bench against FC Augsburg during Saturday’s 4-0 pre-season win over Augsburg but had missed out in recent games.
Asked after a 120-minute meeting with RB Leipzig why Piroe got no minutes, Farke said: "No so the reason is just like we had two games of 60 minutes and Dominic [Calvert-Lewin] he missed the first part of pre-season. He desperately needed the 60 minutes today.
“And also Lukas Nmecha was in a good shape, he has scored goals, he was then slightly ahead of Joel Piroe in the striker role. This is the only reason. But of course, tough anyhow for Joel. But during the long season, we have to take some tough decisions and right now, we are on the stage of pre-season where I can't just say ‘OK, you play 30 minutes and the other 30 minutes, whatever’
“They need, right now, a proper chunk of minutes, and that's the only reason. No problems at all with Joel. He's training fully-focused, concentrated and professional like always. Just a decision for Dominic and for the game time of Lukas today, and not against Joel.”