Joel Piroe is set to undergo a West Ham United medical as Nuno Espírito Santo closes in on another major addition to his attacking options.
The Hammers have moved quickly for the Leeds United striker after identifying him as an alternative to Troy Parrott, with The Athletic now reporting that Piroe is set for a West Ham medical.
It represents a major development in less than 24 hours.
TalkSPORT reported on Sunday that West Ham were exploring a move for Piroe but stressed that nothing was imminent at that stage. Leeds were prepared to discuss either a permanent transfer or a loan containing a future obligation to buy.
Joel Piroe set for West Ham medical
A medical indicates West Ham’s pursuit has advanced considerably since those initial discussions.
Nuno made the need for further attacking reinforcements clear following the 2-2 Championship draw with Burnley, and Piroe would arrive with a proven record at the level West Ham are attempting to escape.
The 27-year-old was a central figure in Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League, finishing as the Championship’s leading scorer with 19 goals during their 2024/25 title-winning campaign.
His lack of regular Premier League football has subsequently opened the door to a departure from Elland Road.
That has allowed West Ham to accelerate a move which only emerged publicly over the weekend.
Piroe also has recent experience of facing the Hammers. He came off the bench when West Ham beat Leeds 3-0 on the final day of last season, before both clubs began very different summer rebuilds.
West Ham striker search moves quickly
Piroe’s Championship record is a major attraction for West Ham.
He scored regularly for Swansea City before repeating that output at Leeds, giving Nuno a forward already familiar with the physical and scheduling demands of a 46-match promotion campaign.
West Ham had initially pushed for Parrott, but Piroe emerged as an alternative after negotiations with AZ Alkmaar became difficult.
The medical development now suggests the Hammers have made significant progress towards completing their striker search.
That would be particularly important after Sunday’s Burnley draw, where Nuno publicly acknowledged that West Ham still required additional attacking options.
ReadWestHam has already highlighted how attacking depth could prove decisive in the club’s promotion push, and the rapid move for Piroe suggests the recruitment team have acted on that concern.
Providing the medical and remaining formalities are completed successfully, Nuno could soon have the additional goalscorer he wanted.
