Joel Piroe has dealt Rangers a setback by making it clear he wants to remain at Leeds United and battle for his place at Elland Road. The Dutch striker has emerged as an option for the Ibrox club if their proposed £2.6 million move for Hansa Rostock forward Ryan Naderi fails to go through before the transfer deadline.
Rangers have been exploring the possibility of a late swoop for Piroe, but people close to the 26-year-old insist he is determined to establish himself under Daniel Farke for the remainder of the Premier League campaign. Despite limited involvement this season, with just a dozen appearances, he has not abandoned hope of becoming a regular starter.
Interest in the former Swansea man is not limited to Scotland. Real Betis and Serie A side Como are also believed to be monitoring his situation.
However, Rangers’ links to Leeds through the 49ers Enterprises group — with Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe also serving on the Ibrox board — could place them in a strong position if the English club reconsider their stance. Earlier in the window, Leeds were said to have dismissed an enquiry from Celtic over a potential loan.
Piroe, who joined Leeds in a £12 million deal in 2023, still has 18 months remaining on his contract. Any late move would likely require significant persuasion, even with shared ownership ties between the clubs.
Meanwhile, Rangers have not entirely abandoned their pursuit of Naderi. Talks over a permanent switch from Hansa Rostock are ongoing, despite earlier suggestions the transfer had stalled.
The German side are understood to be reviewing their position after previously pausing negotiations, sparking fresh hope that a deal could yet be revived.
Belgian side Club Brugge are also watching developments and could attempt to intervene should Rostock give the green light for a sale, adding another layer of uncertainty to Rangers’ striker hunt as the clock ticks down.
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