Joel Piroe’s absence from the action during Leeds United’s latest pre-season victory has reignited debate over whether the striker has a future at Elland Road.

While Leeds supporters celebrated another encouraging performance ahead of the Premier League campaign, many were left asking the same question after the final whistle: why did Piroe remain on the bench from start to finish?

The Dutch forward was available for selection but never left his seat, even as Daniel Farke rotated several members of his squad during the friendly. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha both featuring prominently in attack, Piroe found himself watching rather than competing.

That decision immediately intensified speculation surrounding his long-term future.

However, Farke has dismissed suggestions that the striker was frozen out or sidelined because of an imminent transfer.

Instead, the Leeds boss explained that his decision was based entirely on preparation for the new season.

According to Farke, Calvert-Lewin required valuable match minutes after missing part of pre-season, while Nmecha had earned his opportunity through impressive recent performances and strong form in front of goal.

With both forwards ahead in the current pecking order for that particular fixture, Piroe ultimately missed out.

The explanation may calm some supporters, but it is unlikely to end the transfer speculation.

Competition for places has become fiercer than ever following Leeds’ busy summer recruitment drive. Farke has strengthened several areas of the squad, increasing the pressure on players who are already fighting for regular first-team opportunities.

For Piroe, that challenge has become increasingly difficult.

Although he played an important role during Leeds’ promotion journey, the demands of Premier League football have created a different level of competition. Every position is now contested by players expected to contribute consistently at the highest level.

That reality has left Piroe facing one of the biggest decisions of his Leeds career.

With his contract entering its final stages, this transfer window may represent the best opportunity for both player and club to consider a fresh start.

Leeds would have the chance to recover a transfer fee rather than risk losing value later, while Piroe could move to a club capable of offering regular football and a central role in attack.

Interest has surrounded the striker before.

Previous links with clubs in both the Championship and Scotland demonstrated that there is appreciation for his goalscoring qualities, even if no move ultimately materialised. As the transfer deadline approaches, fresh interest could quickly develop if clubs begin searching for experienced attacking reinforcements.

From Leeds’ perspective, squad management is becoming just as important as recruitment.

The Whites have invested heavily this summer and continue searching for further improvements before the window closes. To create room for additional arrivals, departures may become unavoidable.

Piroe is among several players whose futures remain uncertain as Farke works to shape a squad capable of handling the demands of another Premier League campaign.

Despite the growing uncertainty, there has been no indication of any personal disagreement between manager and player.

Farke has continued to speak respectfully about the striker, making it clear that selection decisions are currently based on fitness, tactical planning and competition rather than disciplinary or off-field issues.

That leaves the situation delicately balanced.

If Piroe remains at Elland Road, he will need to convince the coaching staff that he deserves more opportunities once the competitive season begins.

If an attractive offer arrives before the transfer deadline, Leeds may instead decide that the time is right to move in a different direction.

For now, one thing is certain.

Piroe’s omission against RB Leipzig has ensured that his future remains one of the biggest talking points surrounding Leeds United’s summer, and every squad announcement over the coming weeks will be scrutinised for clues about whether the striker’s next appearance comes in a Leeds shirt—or somewhere else entirely.