Away from Leeds United, Joel Piroe is looking for another promotion on his CV on loan at West Ham, who have just sacked Nuno Espirito Santo.
When Leeds stayed up at West Ham’s expense last season, many expected that an immediate return to the Premier League would follow for the Irons.
Helping them towards their goal of promotion is Joel Piroe. The Leeds striker has been loaned out to the London Stadium, and his deal will become permanent if West Ham are promoted.
West Ham set to replace Nuno Espirito Santo with Scott Parker as Joel Piroe awaits update
We’re all hoping for Piroe’s and Leeds’ sake that a permanent deal is struck between Leeds and West Ham. The total package, should West Ham trigger the permanent option, is worth around £12million to us, which is a very nice sum.
However, the clause is contingent on the Irons gaining promotion. At the moment, they’re some way off the pace, losing 3-1 at home to West Brom last time out.
Currently sitting eighth and six points adrift of pace-setters Middlesbrough, Nuno Espirito Santo has now been dismissed from his position.
Not long after, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that the Irons have a replacement in their crosshairs. Unsurprisingly, cult hero Scott Parker is in the frame to take over in his place.
Parker was dismissed from Burnley late last season, having helped them to promotion with 100 points. Prior to that, the former England midfielder has also claimed promotion with super squads at Bournemouth and Fulham.
Scott Parker’s promotion credentials put to the test as Leeds United hope for Joel Piroe, West Ham windfall
It’s certainly a bold choice to go for Parker. It’s an uninspiring one, but replacing Nuno for Parker is going to raise a few eyebrows.
The reason is that West Ham not only have ambitions of promotion as soon as possible. They also want to be consolidating back in the top flight. Parker’s track record in the Premier League is absolutely woeful. So, West Ham are essentially accepting they aren’t planning beyond this season.
It could help Piroe in his hopes of signing permanently. Parker’s record at Championship level speaks for itself; he does well when he’s got an embarrassment of riches.
However, I do think West Ham have gone for the simple option that won’t help them in the long run, even if they get promoted.
Piroe, meanwhile, needs to pull his finger out. We know he’s not one to offer a great deal when he’s not scoring, but even the goals have dried up. He hasn’t scored since early September, stuck on three league goals.
