Leeds United missed a huge trick not signing 25-y/o who scored in Europa League last night

Leeds United’s interest in Viktor Gyokeres in 2023 made sense, but their refusal to actively pursue him did not, and he is demonstrating why right now.

This season, the Whites appear to have finally found their much-needed goalscorer in Joel Piroe, who has three goals in four games under Daniel Farke.

However, it is a logical signing that comes after the club has already been relegated, something that could have been avoided with similarly prudent expenditure in the past.

Leeds really needed a striker who could hit the ground running with goals at the highest level in January 2023, but instead made a long-term commitment in Georginio Rutter.

It wasn’t without Leeds’ interest in other strikers, including then-Coventry City star Viktor Gyokeres, who could have been better in the near term.

Sources told LeedsAllOver in January that the club was interested in the striker before scouting him later in the season, but it was too late for Leeds to sign him as they were relegated.

A €20 million move to Sporting CP was exactly what the striker deserved, and he’s demonstrating to Leeds what they missed out on and what could have helped them stay in the Premier League.

The Swedish international has three goals and one assist in four league outings, and he’s also off to a good start in the Europa League:

It was a backpost tap-in to inspire a comeback away to Sturm Graz that garnered him so many plaudits at Coventry, but the type of goal-poaching Leeds sorely needed last season, particularly against Leicester City at home.

Leeds fans can be glad that Piroe will give them his all this season, but they might not be in the EFL if Gyokeres had been signed in January.