Joel Piroe has immediately moved into focus for West Ham United ahead of Saturday’s Championship meeting with Charlton Athletic following his arrival from Leeds United.
Nuno Espírito Santo discussed his new striker during his pre-Charlton press conference, with West Ham’s official Talking Points putting Piroe among the major subjects before the club’s first home league game of the season.
The 27-year-old only completed his move from Leeds on Wednesday but arrives with a record few Championship forwards can match.
Joel Piroe gives West Ham proven Championship threat
Piroe has scored 73 goals in 179 Championship appearances across spells with Swansea City and Leeds.
No player has scored more in the division since he made his Championship debut in 2021.
That experience was one of the obvious attractions for a West Ham side attempting to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
West Ham completed Piroe’s initial loan move this week, with the agreement containing an obligation for the transfer to become permanent if the Hammers achieve promotion.
Piroe has already made his ambitions clear.
Speaking after signing, he said he has experience of what is required to win the Championship and wants to contribute with goals, assists and his overall attacking play.
His arrival gives Nuno another option alongside Taty Castellanos at a useful time.
West Ham scored twice at Burnley last weekend but surrendered their advantage late on to draw 2-2, leaving the Hammers searching for their first Championship victory.
Charlton visit London Stadium on Saturday having won their opening league fixture.
Piroe’s readiness will therefore become one of the biggest selection questions before kick-off.
Whether Nuno hands him an immediate start or introduces him from the bench, West Ham now possess a striker whose Championship record suggests he should not require long to understand the demands of the division.
