Daniel Farke has confessed that Joel Piroe is currently down the pecking order at Leeds United, which is why he did not play in the club’s recent friendlies.

The attacker was a key part of the Whites’ success after joining from Swansea, netting 14 goals in his debut season and 19 more as they gained promotion from the Championship.

However, since Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League, he has struggled for game time, failing to score in 16 appearances last season, the most of which came from the bench.

Daniel Farke addresses Joel Piroe’s condition amid a friendly snub.

As a result, Leeds are reportedly willing to move the attacker, with Rangers, Middlesbrough, and Birmingham all linked with Piroe earlier in the transfer window.

So yet, no move has been made, but it looks that the 27-year-old will not be a key part of Farke’s plans at Leeds.

That comes after the German manager left Piroe on the bench for Leeds’ 120-minute friendly win over RB Leipzig, which followed the ex-Swansea player’s absence from Liverpool’s match in America.

And, speaking with Leeds Live, Farke clarified the problem, insisting that it’s simply a matter of having two players ahead of him at Elland Road right now.

“So the reason is that we had two 60-minute games, and Dominic missed the first part of the preseason. He sorely needed those 60 minutes today. Also, Lukas Nmecha was in good shape, scored goals, and was slightly ahead of Joel Piroe in the striker position. This is the only reason.

“But, of course, Joel’s situation is already difficult. However, during the long season, we will have to make some difficult judgements. And right now, we are in the pre-season stage, so I can’t just say, ‘OK, you play 30 minutes and the other 30 minutes, whatever’.

“All they need right now is a proper chunk of minutes. There were no issues with Joel. He is training with the same intensity, concentration, and professionalism that he always has. “Just a decision for Dominic and Lukas’ game time today, not against Joel.”

Joel Piroe would make a fantastic signing for any Championship club.

Farke’s decision not to play Piroe in Leeds’ recent friendlies may appear harsh, especially given that the new season is only a few weeks away, but his logic is sound, and it could be his method of sending a message to the leadership.

He has made it obvious that he does not need Piroe at the club right now, so an exit from Elland Road would benefit all parties.

Piroe believes he still has a lot to offer, and given his record in the Championship, it’s not surprising that clubs are seeking to sign him before the deadline.

Joel Piroe’s 24/25 Championship Statistics (Source: Sofascore)

Appearances

46

Goals

19 assists, 7 expected goals.

17.17

Big Chances Missed

13

Shots per Game

2.2

Big Opportunities Created

8

It remains to be seen whether Birmingham or Middlesbrough will re-sign the 27-year-old, given both have recently signed forwards, but he would be an excellent addition to almost any team at this level.

Piroe has scored goals in the second tier not just for Leeds, but also for Swansea, so he is as near to a certainty as you can get, even if his ability in the Premier League is called into question.

So it will be interesting to see how things play out, but Piroe must move on for the benefit of his career, and whether in the Championship or Scotland, he may be a valuable addition to a club before the deadline.