West Ham complete signing of striker but look set to miss out on another

West Ham United have secured the signing of Leeds United striker Joël Piroe on an initial season-long loan, with the agreement containing an obligation to make the transfer permanent in the summer of 2027 if the specified conditions are fulfilled.

The 27-year-old forward arrives at the London Stadium with a strong Championship pedigree, having registered 73 goals during four seasons with Swansea City and Leeds.

Piroe will wear the number nine shirt at West Ham and expressed his delight after completing the move.

“It’s a joy to have got everything over the line,” said Piroe.

“I’m delighted to be here and I’m ready to go!

“I see West Ham as a Club that really wants to be in the Premier League, and I think should be in the Premier League.

“With my experience, I think I can help the Club a lot to achieve what they want to achieve, and I think it’s a good opportunity for me to show what I’ve learnt and how I’ve grown as a football player over the years.”

The striker said conversations with director of player recruitment Nils Koppen and head coach Nuno Espírito Santo played a major role in persuading him to join the Hammers.

“Nils and Nuno have both been very clear about what the goals for the Club are, both in the short term and in the long term,” he added.

“They talked to me about how they see the team being set up, and it felt like a good match for me.

“I’m just really looking forward to joining the group, and working with the other guys on the grass.”

Koppen believes Piroe’s experience in the Championship, combined with his finishing ability and ambition, will strengthen West Ham's attacking options.

“We are really pleased to welcome Joël to West Ham United,” he said.

“He is another player with proven experience and success in the EFL Championship, someone with great finishing ability, who loves scoring goals.

“But more importantly, he is hungry, ambitious and really wants to be here to embrace the challenge that we have in front of us.

“Joël will add further quality and strength to our attacking options on the pitch, and is ready to begin making a positive impact straight away.”

Piroe's arrival comes as West Ham appear set to lose out on another striker target, with Troy Parrott reportedly nearing a move to Real Betis.

The Hammers are also considering a move for Rangers midfielder Connor Barron. Koppen knows the player from his previous spell at Rangers and is understood to be keen on bringing him to London, although West Ham face competition from Spanish side Sevilla.