Southampton’s January striker search after loaning out American Damion Downs is well and truly on, with 17 days remaining of the transfer window to complete a deal.
While Southampton and Sporting Director Johannes Spors’ full shortlist remains unclear, a new name has emerged, one that former boss Russell Martin wanted and managed previously.
The Saints are in the race to sign Leeds United’s Joel Piroe, according to football transfer specialist Ekrem Konur.
The 26-year-old Dutchman is of ‘high-priority’ for fellow-Championship club Leicester City, who see the striker as second choice to free agent Callum Wilson.
With Leeds United under pressure to meet Profit and Sustainability rules, a sale this month is ideal for the Premier League side, though Piroe would rather stay and fight for his place.
Leeds have enquired for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen, to boost their options up front, which would put Piroe as fourth-choice in the pecking order, if a deal for the Norwegian took place.
However, the Athletic also report that Piroe is not expected to leave Leeds this window. An loan offer with an obligation around the £13m mark would be enough to tempt the Yorkshire club into a sale this window.
Southampton, as well as Middlesbrough, Stoke City, and Birmingham City are all reportedly tracking the Dutchman’s situation closely.
If a deal does not take place this month, Southampton’s long-term interest can be of note ahead of this summer, when the centre forward’s asking price is set to drop.
Piroe has started just twice in the Premier League season, but was a key figure in Leeds’ promotion-winning campaign in 2024/25.
In the second tier last season, Piroe played in all 46 matches for Leeds United, scoring 19 goals and picking up 7 assists – fantastic numbers.
Averaging 0.55 goals per 90, Piroe would be a good addition to a Southampton side struggling for goals from their attacking players, apart from league top scorer Adam Armstrong.
Piroe is seen as a player with good link-up play and has always performed well in the Championship, where he excelled under Russell Martin at Swansea, who then tried to bring the striker to Saints.
Similar to Adam Armstrong, Piroe is a player well-suited to the Championship, but isn’t quite up to pace for the Premier League.
Could he be an addition that drags Saints up the table?
