West Ham have signed striker Joel Piroe from Leeds on a season-long loan. The Hammers hold the option to make the move permanent next summer.
The 27-year-old Netherlands-born forward, who represents Suriname internationally, takes the No9 shirt at the London Stadium.
Proven goalscorer
Piroe has scored 73 goals across four Championship seasons with Swansea City and Leeds. He was the division’s top scorer in 2024-25, netting 19 times as Leeds secured the title and promotion to the Premier League.
He initially moved to Swansea from PSV in 2021 and scored 44 goals in two seasons in south Wales. After joining Leeds in 2023, he added another 33 goals over the following two campaigns and helped the club return to the top flight.
Piroe's ambition
Piroe will now attempt to repeat that success with West Ham, who are targeting an immediate return to the Premier League.
“It’s a joy to have got everything over the line,” Piroe said. “I’m delighted to be here and I’m ready to go.
“I see West Ham as a club that really wants to be in the Premier League, and I think should be in the Premier League. With my experience, I think I can help the club a lot to achieve what they want to achieve.”
Piroe added that conversations with director of player recruitment Nils Koppen and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo convinced him the move was right for him.
Club backing
“They were both very clear about what the goals for the club are, both in the short term and the long term,” he said. “It felt like a good match for me.”
Koppen said Piroe’s goalscoring record and finishing ability made him an important addition to the squad.
“Joel has proven experience and success in the Championship and is someone who loves scoring goals,” he said.
“But more importantly, he is hungry, ambitious and really wants to be here to embrace the challenge in front of us.”
Koppen believes Piroe will strengthen West Ham’s attacking options and is ready to make an immediate contribution as the club begins its promotion campaign.
