Leeds United’s return to the Premier League has exposed more than just a gap in quality—it has revealed recruitment decisions that are quickly backfiring.
One of the biggest concerns at Elland Road isn’t just the struggles of striker Joel Piroe, but the alarming lack of impact from January signing Facundo Buonanotte.
Piroe’s decline highlights Premier League step-up
After firing Leeds to promotion with 19 Championship goals, Piroe looked set to lead the line in the top flight. But under Daniel Farke, the striker has struggled to adapt.
With just one goal across all competitions—and none in the league—his influence has faded. Limited starts and poor duel success underline a forward who has yet to prove he belongs at this level.
As a result, Leeds are already expected to consider moving him on in the summer to make way for a more reliable Premier League presence.
Buonanotte: From promising loan to forgotten man
If Piroe’s struggles are concerning, Buonanotte’s situation is even worse.
Arriving on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, the Argentine was expected to inject creativity into Leeds’ attack. His previous spell—five goals and three assists with Leicester—suggested he could make an impact.
Instead, he has become almost invisible.
The 21-year-old has been left out of multiple matchday squads despite being fit, raising serious questions about his performances in training and limited opportunities on the pitch.
Missed chances and fading trust
Buonanotte’s few chances to impress have done little to change the narrative. A particularly underwhelming FA Cup display—where he registered zero shots, zero dribbles, and zero key passes before being hooked at half-time—appears to have sealed his fate.
Since then, he has slipped completely out of contention.
In contrast, even an out-of-form Piroe has managed to contribute more, including scoring in the FA Cup. That alone highlights just how disappointing Buonanotte’s loan spell has been.
A clear decision for Farke
With Leeds fighting to secure their Premier League status, Farke cannot afford passengers.
Piroe’s future may already be uncertain, but Buonanotte’s role looks even clearer—he should not be starting games again this season unless there is a dramatic turnaround.
For Leeds, this serves as a reminder that not every promising signing translates into top-flight success. And as the summer window approaches, recruitment decisions like this could define whether they stabilise in the Premier League—or slip back into the Championship.
