'It felt like' - Joel Piroe's first words as West Ham United player after Leeds United loan exit
Joel Piroe has spoken following his loan move from West Ham United to Leeds United
Joel Piroe feels West Ham United can be a “good match” for him following his loan move from Leeds United.
The 27-year-old was afforded just two Premier League starts last season and his lack of action fuelled talk of a potential exit.
He initially indicated a desire to stay but as it became apparent he had not moved up the pecking order during pre-season, a departure appeared inevitable.
Piroe has now returned to the Championship, penning a season-long loan deal containing an obligation to buy if the Hammers secure promotion.
Joel Piroe on West Ham United move
“It’s a joy to have got everything over the line,” he told West Ham’s website. “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, and I think it’s a good opportunity for me to show what I’ve learnt and how I’ve grown as a football player over the years.
“[Director of player recruitment] Nils [Koppen] and [head coach] Nuno [Espírito Santo] have both been very clear about what the goals for the club are, both in the short term and in the long term.
“They talked to me about how they see the team being set up, and it felt like a good match for me. I’m just really looking forward to joining the group, and working with the other guys on the grass.”
West Ham United land ‘hungry’ forward
Piroe may have struggled in the Premier League but he was Leeds’ chief marksman in their Championship title-winning 2025/26 campaign.
He delivered a 19-goal haul, weighing in with some memorable strikes as the Whites charged back into the promised land.
“We are really pleased to welcome Joel to West Ham United,” said Koppen. “He is another player with proven experience and success in the EFL Championship, someone with great finishing ability, who loves scoring goals.
“But more importantly, he is hungry, ambitious and really wants to be here to embrace the challenge that we have in front of us.
“Joel will add further quality and strength to our attacking options on the pitch, and is ready to begin making a positive impact straight away.”