Leeds United Push for Premier League Return
Leeds United are firmly in the race for promotion from the Championship, aiming to secure a return to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
Currently sitting two points clear at the top of the table and four points ahead of third-placed Burnley, the Whites have a strong grip on an automatic promotion spot. Last season, Daniel Farke’s side narrowly missed out on a top-flight return, finishing third before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Southampton in the play-off final.
Leeds strengthened their position at the summit with a 2-0 victory over Millwall on Wednesday night. Early in the match, Manor Solomon forced an own goal from Jake Cooper, while Ao Tanaka sealed the win with a late strike. Solomon’s involvement may not have officially counted as a goal or an assist, but it was yet another decisive contribution from the in-form Tottenham loanee.
Manor Solomon’s Impressive Season at Leeds
Leeds brought in Solomon last summer following the departures of Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, who left a significant void in the squad’s attacking options. The Israeli winger initially struggled to make an impact, registering just one assist in his first eight games, but he has since found his rhythm and become a key figure on the left flank.
The 25-year-old has started 21 of his 30 Championship appearances this season, delivering seven goals and seven assists. His tally of 12 ‘big chances’ created suggests that his assist numbers could have been even higher had his teammates been more clinical in front of goal. His ability to drive forward and create opportunities makes him a valuable asset, which is why Leeds are reportedly interested in signing him permanently.
Leeds Keen to Secure Solomon’s Services
Currently on loan from Tottenham, Solomon’s deal expires in the summer, with no option for Leeds to make the move permanent. However, journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that if the club secures promotion, they will attempt to sign him outright.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs stated: “The priority is to get promotion and then assess what targets are possible. Leeds are more focused on finding a playmaker and trying to buy Manor Solomon, while Cameron Archer remains on their radar.”
While Spurs currently value Solomon at €9m (£7.5m), it remains to be seen how much Leeds would need to pay to bring him in permanently.
Leeds Strike Gold with Joel Piroe
While Solomon’s future remains uncertain, Leeds have already hit the jackpot with another attacking signing—Joel Piroe.
Farke wasted no time strengthening his squad upon arriving at Elland Road in the summer of 2023, securing Piroe from Swansea City for a reported £10m. The Dutch forward had scored 19 league goals in the previous season, making him a proven goalscorer at Championship level.
In his first season with Leeds, Piroe played in a more advanced midfield role, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists. This season, however, Farke has deployed him as the team’s primary striker, a move that has paid off significantly.
Described as “dangerous” by journalist Josh Bunting, Piroe has already surpassed his previous campaign’s numbers, registering 15 goals and six assists in all competitions—with two months of the season still to go. His impressive form has also seen his market value rise, climbing from £10m to €14m (£11.7m) according to Transfermarkt.
At 25, Piroe still has plenty of time to develop further. If Leeds secure promotion and he continues to deliver in the Premier League, his value could skyrocket even further, making him one of the club’s most valuable assets.
