Rangers' Transfer Plans Tested as Joel Piroe Insists on Leeds Stay
Rangers' transfer plans have been put to the test as Joel Piroe, the Dutch striker, insists on staying with Leeds United. The 26-year-old Suriname international has told Elland Road bosses that he does not want to leave for the Scottish Premiership title fight.
What Happened?
In January, Rangers had lined up a late move to take Piroe from Elland Road if a deal to bring Ryan Naderi in from Hansa Rostock could not be completed. However, Piroe struggled to hold down a regular spot in the Premier League, netting just one goal in the FA Cup win in March.
Why it Matters for Rangers
The 49ers, who also own Rangers, had admitted that they were keen to see players move between the Scottish Premiership and Premier League clubs. However, Piroe's insistence on staying with Leeds has put a spanner in the works.
What Comes Next?
Rangers will have to wait and see if Piroe's decision will affect their transfer plans. The Light Blues are currently 1 point behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian in the title race, with a recent form of 2W-0D-3L (WWLLL, most recent first). They are on a 2-game winning run, with their last result being a 5-2 win over Falkirk.
And with their next fixture against Heart Of Midlothian away on October 28, Rangers will be looking to maintain their momentum in the title race.
In the meantime, Piroe has made it clear that he wants to prove himself with Leeds in the Premier League. He has told Flashscore that he wants to show his growth and adapt to the league, and that he sees his future with the club.
However, the call could be taken out of his hands by boss Daniel Farke and the Leeds decision-makers. Piroe has conceded that he will see and feel a bit more about what the club thinks when pre-season starts.
And with Rangers' transfer plans put to the test, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Dutch striker and the Scottish Premiership title fight.
As of July 25, 2026, Rangers are 2nd in the Premiership with 69 points from 33 games, with a recent form of WLLLL. They have scored 66 goals and conceded 31, with a goal difference of +35. Their next fixture is against Heart Of Midlothian away on October 28, with the Light Blues looking to maintain their momentum in the title race.
