Image source: caughtoffside.com
Crystal Palace have made an official enquiry for Leeds United striker Joel Piroe, according to Sky Sports, as the club draws up contingency plans for a potential departure by Jean-Philippe Mateta. Palace’s interest centres on reinforcing the forward line before the transfer deadline, with Mateta pushing for a move away after agreeing personal terms with AC Milan.
Palace make Joel Piroe enquiry as Mateta presses for AC Milan move
Crystal Palace have identified Leeds United striker Joel Piroe as a possible replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta, with Sky Sports reporting the London club have made an official enquiry. Palace are preparing for the chance of losing Mateta before the transfer deadline and have stepped up contingency planning, with Piroe emerging as one of their leading options as they look to bolster their forward line.
Piroe, a 26-year-old Dutch forward, was expected to make a major impact but has found minutes hard to come by in the Premier League under Daniel Farke. The report said he has played 203 Premier League minutes this season and has not recorded a goal or assist in 10 appearances. His last league start came in August, and he is currently behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the club’s striking pecking order.
Leeds are understood to be in the market for a striker themselves, which has fuelled talk they could consider offers for Piroe if the right deal arrives. However, sources within Elland Road insist Piroe is not actively looking to leave and is prepared to fight for his place. The report added Leeds are not expected to force him out, leaving Palace to assess both his availability and willingness to move.
Mateta is described as pushing for a transfer after agreeing personal terms with AC Milan, and Palace are bracing for the possibility of losing their top-scoring striker before the window shuts. Palace are exploring short-term and long-term options as they reshape their attack under Oliver Glasner’s system, with any potential progress on Piroe likely to hinge on Leeds’ ability to secure a replacement, something they have struggled with so far this window.
