Heading into the New Year, there is plenty of optimism around Elland Road. Leeds United have dragged themselves clear of the Premier League relegation picture, taking eight points from a possible 12 in December and capping the month with a statement 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
Under Daniel Farke, Leeds finally look settled at top-flight level. Ethan Ampadu has provided authority in midfield, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goals have transformed Leeds’ attacking output. Yet for all the progress, promotion has brought an unavoidable reality: some of last season’s heroes are now surplus to requirements.
January exits beginning to take shape
With Leeds now finding rhythm, the margin for sentiment is shrinking. Several players from Farke’s promotion-winning squad are staring at uncertain futures.
Ilia Gruev has slipped dramatically down the midfield pecking order following the arrivals of Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach. The Bulgarian has started just three Premier League matches all season, and with Leeds functioning smoothly, his pathway back into the XI looks blocked.
Jack Harrison’s situation is similar. Once a Championship title-winner under Marcelo Bielsa, the winger has managed no goals or assists from 263 league minutes this season. Only 22 of those minutes have come since November, highlighting how far he has drifted from Farke’s plans.
Illan Meslier also faces an unclear future. The goalkeeper’s contract expires at the end of the season, and with over 200 appearances for the club, a departure — either in January or the summer — appears increasingly likely.
Joel Piroe’s dramatic fall from grace
However, the most striking decline belongs to Joel Piroe. The Dutch forward was instrumental in Leeds’ promotion campaign, finishing as the Championship’s top scorer with 19 goals and seven assists as Farke’s side stormed to the title.
At his peak, Farke described Piroe as Leeds’ “best finisher” and even labelled him “world-class” while he was leading the scoring charts. That praise now feels a long way removed from reality.
Piroe has started just two Premier League matches this season, making nine appearances in total without scoring. His involvement has become increasingly peripheral, with his latest cameo — a brief 15-minute appearance against Crystal Palace — passing without a single shot on goal.
Notably, his last attempt at goal came back in November against Aston Villa. Since then, he has cut an anonymous figure, echoing criticisms once levelled at him even during the Championship campaign when his form dipped.
| Stat | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|
| Games played | 46 | 9 |
| Games started | 36 | 2 |
| Goals | 19 | 0 |
| Assists | 7 | 0 |
source: Sofascore match data – 25 December 2025
Why Piroe no longer fits
Calvert-Lewin’s emergence as Leeds’ focal point has altered the attacking structure entirely. The former Everton striker offers Premier League-proven physicality and penalty-box presence — traits Farke now prioritises.
Behind him, Lukas Nmecha has become the preferred alternative, scoring four league goals since arriving from Wolfsburg. When fit, he offers a more direct threat than Piroe, whose hybrid role as a number 10 has become increasingly redundant.
Having followed Leeds closely this season, it is clear that Farke values efficiency and reliability at this level. Piroe’s skill set, devastating in the Championship, has struggled to translate into consistent top-flight impact.
Key insights
- Leeds have taken eight points from December fixtures
- Joel Piroe has yet to score in the Premier League this season
- Daniel Farke now favours Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha
- Several promotion heroes face January exits
- Piroe is likely to attract Championship interest
What’s next for Leeds and Piroe?
With January approaching, Piroe appears one of the most likely departures. A move back to the Championship could suit all parties, particularly for a promotion-chasing side seeking a proven finisher. Leeds, meanwhile, are unlikely to disrupt a system that is finally delivering results.
Much will depend on market interest, but the direction of travel feels clear.
Should Leeds cash in on Piroe in January, or does he still deserve one final chance at Elland Road?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 26 Dec 2025 07:49
He should have left in the summer
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