West Ham complete signing of striker but look set to miss out on another
West Ham United have completed the signing of striker Joël Piroe from Leeds United on an initial season-long loan.
The deal includes an obligation for the transfer to become permanent in the summer of 2027, subject to the agreed criteria being met.
The 27-year-old arrives with an impressive record in the Championship, having scored 73 goals across four seasons with Swansea City and Leeds.
“It’s a joy to have got everything over the line,” said Piroe, who will wear the number nine shirt.
“I’m delighted to be here and I’m ready to go!
“I see West Ham as a Club that really wants to be in the Premier League, and I think should be in the Premier League.
“With my experience, I think I can help the Club a lot to achieve what they want to achieve, and I think it’s a good opportunity for me to show what I’ve learnt and how I’ve grown as a football player over the years.”
Piroe revealed discussions with director of player recruitment Nils Koppen and head coach Nuno Espírito Santo convinced him that West Ham was the right move.
“Nils and Nuno have both been very clear about what the goals for the Club are, both in the short term and in the long term,” he added.
“They talked to me about how they see the team being set up, and it felt like a good match for me.
“I’m just really looking forward to joining the group, and working with the other guys on the grass.”
Koppen believes Piroe’s goalscoring record and desire to succeed make him an ideal addition to West Ham’s attack.
“We are really pleased to welcome Joël to West Ham United,” he said.
“He is another player with proven experience and success in the EFL Championship, someone with great finishing ability, who loves scoring goals.
“But more importantly, he is hungry, ambitious and really wants to be here to embrace the challenge that we have in front of us.
“Joël will add further quality and strength to our attacking options on the pitch, and is ready to begin making a positive impact straight away.”
But the Hammers look set to miss out on the signing of striker Troy Parrott, who is close to joining Real Betis.
West Ham are, however, weighing up their interest in Rangers midfielder Connor Barron, who Koppen is keen on having signed him in his previous role at Rangers, but face competition from Sevilla.
