Leeds United exit eyes 48-goal title-winning reunion with Championship target set
Joel Piroe will reunite with a former Leeds United teammate at West Ham.
Leeds United loan exit Joel Piroe is excited to reignite an old and productive relationship with Manor Solomon at West Ham.
Piroe’s season-long switch to the London Stadium was confirmed on Wednesday with West Ham committing to an obligation to buy if they are promoted from the Championship. The 27-year-old drops back into the second-tier where he scored 33 goals in 91 games for Leeds across two seasons.
The Suriname international won the 2024/25 Championship Golden Boot with 19 goals to help Leeds win the title that campaign. A further seven assists made him the most productive member of Daniel Farke’s squad, with Solomon second on 22 direct contributions - 10 goals and 12 assists.
Asked about his excitement in rekindling an old Elland Road relationship, Piroe told West Ham’s website: “Definitely! I think we built up great chemistry at Leeds, and it’s great that now we’re going to be able to make that connection even better here at West Ham.
“It feels good. It’s been a hectic couple of days, but I’m delighted to be here and I’m ready to go! I have experience of what it takes to win the Championship, and of course I want to contribute goals and assists, on top of my general attacking play.
“I think the fans can expect to see a player who likes to receive the ball, and can finish with his left or right foot, as well as headers. I like to link the play with other offensive players, and I won’t stop running until the end of the game.”
Promotion put an end to Solomon’s Leeds career and despite remaining in West Yorkshire for another year, Piroe fell to the fringes. His last top-flight start was against Arsenal last August and a total of 16 Premier League goals brought zero goals.
But Piroe’s quality at Championship-level has never been in doubt and playing alongside the likes of Jarrod Bowen or Solomon means chances should be aplenty. And the out-on-loan Leeds man is hoping for another prolific campaign.
“I hope to reach at least double figures for goals and assists,” he added. “I’d like it to be towards 20, which is always a goal for myself. I want to play lots of games, and help West Ham achieve promotion.”