Deal Agreed; leeds united finally closed £30m deal Today, new Dutch super star coming tomorrow” Despite the transfer window not being open yet
Of course’ – Rival boss rejects Piroe claims as Leeds transfer admission made
Southampton boss Russell Martin makes Joel Piroe signing admission ahead of Leeds United clash
Russell Martin admits he would love to have Joel Piroe in his ranks, but denied reports that Southampton were in the running to sign the striker prior to his move to Leeds United.
The Athletic reported [23 August] near the end of the summer transfer window that Southampton and Leicester City were rivalling Leeds for the Dutchman.
Piroe eventually ended up joining United from Swansea City in a £10million deal and has made a positive start to life at Elland Road.
As reported by Southern Daily Echo journalist Alfie House on Twitter [29 September], Martin was asked about his side’s interest in the player ahead of facing Leeds at St Mary’s on Saturday [30 September].
“Russell Martin asked about Joel Piroe. Said he was never a player that was an option to sign due to those already at the club,” House tweeted.
“Admits of course he would have wanted him. Great character and understands the aims. Reiterates he’s happy with current options here.”
Fast start
It is easy for Martin to say now, after Piroe has joined Leeds, that his side were never realistically in for the player – and that may well be the case.
But having worked closely with Piroe at Swansea, Martin surely would have pushed his club to go all out for the former PSV ace.
After all, Southampton went out and spent £10m – the same fee Leeds paid for Piroe – on Ross Stewart from Sunderland at the end of the window.
Is it any coincidence the Saints decided to make that move when they did, a few days after Piroe rocked up at Elland Road?
With four goals in five games to his name already, the prolific striker is on his way to another big-scoring season in he Championship.
And the way football works, you can be fairly confident Piroe will score against his former manager when Leeds face Southampton this weekend.
