Leeds are now keen to sell Joel Piroe with Middlesbrough keen on a summer deal
Middlesbrough are keen to sign an “unbelievable” new striker this summer, and Leeds United are now ready to confirm the sale.
Mendieta is backing Boro to bounce back from the final defeat
Boro’s play-off final was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the Spygate scandal, with Southampton banned from taking part, and Kim Hellberg’s side ultimately failed, Hull City winning 1-0 with Oli McBurnie’s late winner.
Having missed out on promotion to the Premier League, it could be difficult to keep hold of stablemate Hayden Hackney, who has just one year left on his contract, with the midfielder starting to attract more attention in the top flight.
However, Gaizka Mendieta has backed his former club to rebuild and have a successful 2026-27 campaign, should Hackney decide to move on.
“When Hayden Hackney leaves it’s sad, but that’s football.
“If you are promoted, you can attract big players and keep your top players because they want to play in the Premier League, but if you are not promoted, the players who have done well will be looking at Premier League teams that I am sure are knocking.
“That’s one of the bad things about a club, you can lose players who did well last year, and you have to rebuild and start again. But Boro can do that and come back strong.”
The Teessiders want £25m for the 23-year-old, and if a deal does happen, they may look to invest in other areas of the club, with the Leeds international emerging as a target.
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Leeds are set to sell an “unbelievable” player with interest from Middlesbrough
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Middlesbrough are now in contention to sign Joel Piroe, with Daniel Farke’s side ready to offload the striker this summer, having played only a minor role last season.
Leeds are expected to want around £8m – £10m for the centre-forward, who earns £40k-a-week at Elland Road, and Rangers are also keen, with manager Danny Rohl believed to be a big fan.
Piroe wants to go to a club where regular game time is more of a guarantee, and he has proven himself in the second tier before, coming through with Leeds and Swansea City.
Joel Piroe’s Championship Stats
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179 games
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73 goals
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18 helps
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Won promotion with Leeds in 2024-25
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Golden Boot winner 2024-2025
Farke has also spoken highly of the Suriname international’s ability in front of goal, saying: “It’s not about individual stats but Joel deserves a lot of credit. He’s a fantastic finisher for us. For me, he’s the best finisher in the league and, when it comes to finishing, there’s no better player than him.”
After missing out on promotion in brutal fashion, Piroe may be able to kick Middlesbrough out of the Premier League next season.
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