James Atama
Leeds United star Joel Piroe has expressed that he feels he has “unfinished business” with his boyhood club, PSV Eindhoven, although he’s downplayed any immediate return to the Netherlands. Currently in impressive form, having scored 15 goals and provided six assists this season, Piroe is determined to help Leeds gain promotion to the Premier League after narrowly missing out last year.
Piroe, who scored 14 goals in his first season with Leeds, aims to erase last season’s disappointment of losing to Southampton in the play-off final. Before his time at Leeds, he had a successful stint at Swansea City, netting 46 goals over two seasons.
While discussing a potential future return to PSV, where he began his career and made 14 first-team appearances, Piroe stated, “Yes, absolutely. Why not? I had a great time there, and when I think back, it feels like unfinished business. But right now, I am fully focused on reaching the Premier League.”
Leeds fan pundit Kris Smith weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Piroe’s remarks indicate his long-term aspirations rather than an imminent departure. Smith believes Piroe is unlikely to leave Leeds this summer, especially if they secure promotion and fulfill their own dreams of playing in the Premier League.
Smith pointed out that players typically wish to represent the clubs they support and sees Piroe’s comments as a normal expression of sentiment. He added that Piroe’s future with Leeds will ultimately depend on the outcome of the current season, regardless of his feelings toward PSV.
Additionally, Smith noted that PSV has a wealth of striking options, including club legend Luuk De Jong and rising talent Ricardo Pepi, which diminishes the likelihood of PSV pursuing Piroe at this time. With PSV recently signing winger Noa Lang for a reported record fee, it’s plausible that a significant financial request would be necessary to bring Piroe back to Eindhoven from Leeds. Overall, Piroe’s focus remains firmly on helping Leeds achieve their goal of promotion, dismissing the prospect of a summer exit for now.
