Joel Piroe Granted Permission to Undergo West Ham Medical as Leeds Exit Moves Closer

The Athletic reports that the 27-year-old is set to join West Ham initially on loan, with an obligation to buy included in the agreement.

Piroe’s move represents a significant step towards the end of his two-year spell at Elland Road, with the forward having fallen down Daniel Farke’s attacking pecking order heading into the new campaign.

West Ham have identified Piroe as one of their priority targets as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to build a squad capable of mounting an immediate promotion challenge.

The Dutch-born striker’s record in the second tier was understood to be a major factor behind West Ham’s interest.

Piroe established himself as one of the Championship’s most reliable goalscorers during his time with Swansea City before making the move to Leeds in 2023.

He then played an important role in Leeds’ promotion-winning 2024-25 campaign, finishing as the Championship’s top scorer with 19 league goals.

The proposed deal is understood to be worth around £15 million if the obligation to buy is triggered, with the clause reportedly becoming active if West Ham secure promotion back to the Premier League.

That structure means Leeds would not immediately receive the full value of the transfer, but the Whites would have a route towards a substantial permanent fee should West Ham achieve their objective.

Piroe’s departure has been increasingly expected throughout the summer after his involvement in pre-season became limited.

The striker was an unused substitute for several of Leeds’ recent friendlies, while Farke had previously indicated that he was behind other options in the attacking hierarchy.

The move now appears to be entering its final stages, with Piroe’s medical the next major step before the transfer can be completed.

For Leeds, it would bring an end to the career of a forward who leaves with a Championship winners’ medal and Golden Boot to his name, while for West Ham it represents the acquisition of a proven second-tier goalscorer as they attempt to return to the Premier League at the first opportunity.