Worth even more than Piroe: Leeds must regret selling "sensational" star

With just 11 games to go in the Championship campaign this season, Leeds United currently sit three points clear of Sheffield United in their hunt to secure promotion – but doing so whilst winning the title.

The Whites’ form has been superb for large parts of the campaign, losing just three games to date, whilst also remaining unbeaten since the beginning of December.

Daniel Farke deserves a huge amount of credit for keeping the side competitive after numerous key departures over the summer after the play-off final defeat at Wembley.

The German will be looking to make it three second-tier title wins in England in the coming months, adding to the two he claimed during his time in charge of Norwich City.

However, if he is to achieve such a feat, he will likely rely on one player who’s so often produced the goods in the final third over the last couple of months.

Joel Piroe’s stats for Leeds in 2024/25

The striker role at Elland Road has been one that has brought about conversation over recent years, with numerous players struggling to fill the void in Yorkshire.

However, over the last few months, Dutchman Joel Piroe has nailed down the starting role in Farke’s side, repaying the boss for the faith shown in him to lead the line.

The 25-year-old has already netted 16 times in his 35 appearances, already scoring outscoring his tally from his debut campaign at the club following his £10m move in 2023.

However, Piroe hasn’t had his success without his doubters, often coming under fire for his displays, but it’s safe to say the supporters are reaping the rewards with his recent form in the final third.

Despite his impressive run for the Whites in recent times, he’s still valued lower than one player who the club may regret offloading after his form away from the club.

The former Leeds star who’s worth more than Piroe

Before their recent success over the last couple of years, Leeds found themselves in a tricky financial situation, which saw them offloading numerous first-team players to balance the books.

Lewis Cook was just one example who departed his boyhood side for just £6m, now starring for Bournemouth in the Premier League and potentially featuring in Europe amid the Cherries’ recent form.

However, another player who previously plied their trade in Yorkshire but is now playing in the top flight is winger Jack Clarke, who made his breakthrough for the Whites back in the 2018/19 season.

The now 24-year-old departed in an £8.5m deal to join Tottenham Hotspur after his breakthrough campaign but failed to make a single Premier League appearance during his time in North London.

He’s since recaptured his form at Sunderland, registering 28 goals and 21 assists for the Black Cats, leading to Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley dubbing him “sensational” for his time at the Stadium of Light.

He’s since moved to Ipswich Town, once again joining a Premier League outfit, but has struggled to carry his excellent form to Portman Road, registering three goals and five assists to date – but has still seen an increase in his market value.

Clarke is now valued at £12.4m by Transfermarkt, a figure that is higher than that of Piroe, who’s only valued at £11.5m despite his excellent goalscoring record this campaign.

Given the increase and recent form in England’s second tier, Leeds must regret parting ways with Clarke, potentially having another dimension in attack had they kept hold of the youngster.

Undoubtedly, he left at a time when financial problems were present in Yorkshire, but his ability in the final third could’ve provided the added cutting edge in their quest for promotion in the coming months.

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