Official; Piroe Joins Aston Villa on Long-Term Deal Until 2027
Joël Piroe Joins Aston Villa on Long-Term Deal Until 2027
Joël Piroe Joins Aston Villa on Long-Term Deal Until 2027
Birmingham, March 25, 2025 – In a major transfer coup, Aston Villa have officially completed the signing of Dutch striker Joël Piroe from Leeds United on a contract running until the summer of 2027. The move, which has been rumored for weeks, was confirmed today by both clubs in a joint statement, marking the end of Piroe’s successful spell at Elland Road.
This signing is seen as a significant reinforcement for Villa, who are pushing for European qualification under manager Unai Emery. Piroe, who had been a standout performer for Leeds in the EFL Championship this season, will now test himself again at the highest level in the Premier League.
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A Move Long in the Making
Piroe, 24, has been one of the most sought-after strikers in English football, attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs, including Brentford, Crystal Palace, and even his former club Swansea City. However, Aston Villa moved swiftly to secure his services, reportedly paying a fee in the region of £22 million, including add-ons.
Having joined Leeds United from Swansea in the summer of 2023, Piroe quickly established himself as a crucial figure for the Whites, scoring 15 goals in 32 appearances this season. Despite his best efforts, Leeds struggled to secure an automatic promotion spot, which ultimately led to speculation that Piroe might look for a move back to the Premier League.
Sources close to the player suggest that the ambition of Aston Villa, their attacking style, and the prospect of working under Unai Emery played a key role in his decision.
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Villa Strengthen Their Attack
Aston Villa have been impressive this season, sitting in 6th place in the Premier League, but have struggled with injuries in their attacking department. With Ollie Watkins carrying the bulk of the goal-scoring responsibility, the club has been eager to add another prolific forward to their ranks.
Piroe’s arrival gives Villa more depth and attacking flexibility. He is known for his sharp finishing, movement off the ball, and ability to play both as a lone striker or in a two-man system. His skill set is expected to complement Watkins, allowing Emery to rotate his forward line more effectively.
Villa fans will be excited about the prospect of seeing Piroe linking up with Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey, and Jacob Ramsey, forming a formidable attacking unit capable of challenging the top sides in the league.
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What Piroe and the Clubs Have Said
Speaking to Aston Villa’s official website, Joël Piroe expressed his excitement about the new challenge:
> “I am delighted to join Aston Villa and take this next step in my career. The club has been doing fantastic things under Unai Emery, and I want to be a part of this journey. The Premier League is where I want to be, and I believe Villa is the perfect place for me to develop further.”
Villa manager Unai Emery also shared his thoughts on the signing:
> “Joël is a player we have been tracking for a while. He has proven his quality in England, and his goal-scoring ability will add to our attacking threat. He has the attributes we need, and we are excited to integrate him into our squad.”
Leeds United, in their official statement, thanked Piroe for his contributions:
> “We want to thank Joël for his dedication and professionalism during his time at Leeds United. He played a key role in our push for promotion this season, and while we are disappointed to see him go, we understand his desire to play at the highest level. We wish him all the best at Aston Villa.”
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Leeds United’s Plans After Piroe’s Departure
Losing Piroe is a big blow for Leeds, who are currently fighting for promotion back to the Premier League. With just a few months left in the season, manager Daniel Farke will need to find a way to replace his goals quickly.
Reports suggest that Leeds could turn to their January signing Mateo Joseph, while Patrick Bamford may have a bigger role to play in the final stretch of the season. Additionally, Leeds might explore the loan or free-agent market to bring in another attacking option.
The club remains confident that they have enough firepower to continue their push for automatic promotion, but fans will be hoping that Piroe’s departure doesn’t derail their campaign.
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Aston Villa’s Ambitions Grow
For Villa, this signing signals their ambition to compete consistently in the upper echelons of English football. Since the arrival of Unai Emery, the club has made significant strides, qualifying for Europe last season and now pushing for another strong finish.
The addition of Piroe fits into Villa’s strategy of signing players with proven goal-scoring ability and high potential resale value. At 24, he still has room to develop, and if he thrives in the Premier League, he could become one of the league’s standout strikers in the coming years.
With Premier League experience under his belt from Swansea and now Leeds, Piroe arrives as a player ready to make an immediate impact. His versatility in the attack will give Villa new options, whether as a starter alongside Watkins or as an impact substitute.
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What’s Next for Piroe and Villa?
Joël Piroe is expected to undergo his medical at Bodymoor Heath in the coming days, with his official unveiling likely to happen later this week.
His first match for Aston Villa could come as early as this weekend, when they face West Ham at Villa Park. If all goes smoothly, Villa fans could see their new signing in action in a crucial game that could determine their European fate.
For Leeds United, the task will now be to regroup and focus on their remaining fixtures. The club is still in contention for automatic promotion, and how they respond to Piroe’s departure could define their season.
As the Premier League season enters its final months, all eyes will be on Joël Piroe to see how he adapts to life at Villa Park. Can he replicate his Championship goal-scoring form at the highest level? Only time will tell, but Villa fans will certainly be hoping he can fire them to greater heights.
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Transfer Details at a Glance
Player: Joël Piroe
From: Leeds United
To: Aston Villa
Contract Length: Until 2027
Transfer Fee: £22 million (including add-ons)
Potential Debut: vs. West Ham, Premier League
This is a statement signing from Aston Villa, and if Piroe delivers on his potential, this could be one of the smartest transfers of the season.
