Rangers and Middlesbrough lead transfer race for Leeds United star as 49ers link gives Gers a leg up
The Elland Road side are set for a clear out in the summer if the can secure Premier League survival
Rangers remain one of the frontrunners to sign Leeds United striker Joel Piroe in the summer, on the condition that the Whites stay in the top flight.
The striker was a mainstay for Daniel Farke’s side in the Championship last season, where his 19 goals helped them gain promotion, however, with just four games left of this campaign, he’s still yet to get off the mark in the Premier League and has found himself sliding down the selection pecking order. He is contracted at Elland Road until the summer of 2027.
Rangers expressed an interest in Piroe during the winter window and reportedly, haven’t finished in their pursuit. With Leeds being their ‘sister club’ given their links to the 49ers Enterprise, the Light Blues have an advantage over other clubs looking at the 26-year old. Middlesbrough are also after Piroe, however this also depends on their status next season.
Rangers lead transfer race for Piroe
Rangers are still in the best place to secure the future of the Suriname International. The Whites may also be looking to offload striker Joe Gelhardt in the summer, who has also been linked with an Ibrox move in recent seasons. The Englishman is currently on loan at Hull City.
According to TeamTalk: “A solution will be needed for Piroe, who has fallen out of favour under Farke this season. Once Leeds secure their Premier League status, Piroe will be told he is free to leave this summer. Leeds’ sister club, Rangers, and Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough both remain options, though it is likely the latter will look elsewhere if they themselves are promoted.
“Gelhardt, meanwhile, has shone while on loan with Hull, and the Tigers will look to make his move permanent this summer regardless of what division they find themselves in. Gelhardt has played a leading role in Hull’s quest to finish in the play-off places, and Leeds are understood to value the 23-year-old at around the £3m mark.”
What is the link between Rangers and Leeds United?
Both Rangers and Leeds United are owned by 49ers Enterprises - a multi-club ownership structure which was established last year. Elland Road Chairman Paraag Marathe holds influential roles within both club structures. In the case of Piroe, Celtic also expressed an interest to sign the striker in January on a loan deal, however this was quickly kiboshed due to potential complications regarding Rangers and Leeds’ ties.
While it has been well outlined that Rangers will not act as a feeder club to Leeds or vice-versa, for a player like Piroe who looks destined to leave in the summer, it could give them a leg up over other potential suitors, like Middlesbrough for a behind the scenes deal to be agreed.