The Dutchman may struggle to adapt to United’s style of play next season too. Piroe relies on his team retaining possession and staying high up the pitch. That way, he can drop back and play the ball before moving into position. While Piroe’s link-up play in the opposition half improved week-by-week as the season progressed, he will not get much opportunity to complete such phases of play next term. Leeds will be playing on the back foot and looking to transition quickly with pace.
Piroe, simply, does not have the legs for this. Daniel Farke will need a striker who has durability, stamina and pace and Piroe has lacked all three during phases of the season. Finding someone who meets those traits will be difficult but acquiring a goalscorer is just as essential as finding a new goalkeeper – both objectives have to be at the top of Farke’s transfer list.
Mateo Joseph has struggled this season and is not ready for Premier League football. It’s possible Real Betis could come calling again. There’s more of a case to keep Patrick Bamford given his top flight experience but injuries and age creates haziness over his future.
This is the last summer Leeds can gain a fee for the striker given he is about to enter the final year of his contract. The question is whether he would drum up enough cash to warrant selling given two strikers would need to be bought as a result, with Piroe acting as the primary back-up.
Then there are questions around the number 10 role. Brenden Aaronson clearly cannot start as the number 10 in a Premier League season. With a home World Cup around the corner, he might seek a move to ensure he makes the US squad having missed out in March.
At the same time, Farke may not be in any rush to sell him. Not only because options in the role are once again reduced as a result but also because Aaronson tends to be more productive against higher lines.
He played markedly better, for example, against Middlesbrough during a miserable second half of the season when Michael Carrick decided to play his defence higher up. What’s more, the American has energy to burn in the press and his work ethic is tremendous. But the rest of his game is what lets him down and shows Leeds need a new number 10. The likes of Emiliano Buendia and Angel Gomes will be available this summer, though others will also be chasing them.
As with all attacking players, Leeds will have a fight on their hands – though will have an advantage when it comes to one player. United are in a strong position to lure Manor Solomon on a permanent deal. The Israeli admitted to Leeds Live this month that he has enjoyed his best season in England while on loan at Elland Road and that Farke staying as manager would influence any decision to join full time should an offer arrive.
He was due to speak about his future with his inner circle this week. Farke and the board were set to decide on contract decisions too, and this could have comprised calls on loan players. Simply, Leeds have to try and sign Solomon. He has always produced for United even during his rough periods, whether it be telling cross or a nifty dribble. Ten goals and 13 assists marks his best output since coming to UK shores.
Of course, others will be circling and there is ambiguity over future at Tottenham Hotspur given Ange Postecoglou’s uncertain stature. But him signing for Leeds would solve a problem that would otherwise be created.
Daniel James is arguably the first name of the teamsheet among current options and is a dead cert on the right. Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto may have to settle for bench spots, which will be tough for them but is a fantastic sign of United’s strength in depth on the flanks.
Aside from a new left winger – be it Solomon or otherwise – no other flankers need to be brought in. Attacking midfielder Sam Chambers and forward Harry Gray will likely be sent on loan spells if they are not kept in the academy.
Joe Gelhardt is being eyed by Hull City boss Ruben Selles who has been impressed by his short term loan spell. It all underlines that the striker and number 10 ranks need bolstering by quality but also by numbers. This won’t be cheap but it’s paramountly necessary.
