West Ham are plotting a crucial signing ahead of the 2026/27 Championship season, with the Hammers turning to Premier League talent as they target an immediate return to the top flight.
The Hammers began their Championship campaign with a 2-2 draw against Burnley on Sunday.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side endured a torrid Premier League season in 2025-26 and were memorably taken to the final day in a relegation battle against Tottenham Hotspur.
One London club survived at the expense of another, sending West Ham crashing down to the Championship and putting the future of their line-up at risk.
Instead, the Hammers have enjoyed a successful summer transfer window in terms of outgoings and incomings, with fan favourite Jarrod Bowen opting to remain at the club after months of speculation.
They’ve also secured the services of Spurs’ Manor Solomon, as well as right-back Joel Veltman from Brighton.
Now, the Hammers are looking to sign another Premier League side’s attacking talent to complement Bowen and Solomon, with Leeds United being the target club.
West Ham plot move for Leeds’ Joel Piroe, as Troy Parrott talks stall
According to a report from Sky Sports, Leeds’ Joel Piroe is firmly on West Ham’s radar after falling out of favour at Elland Road last season.
Signing Troy Parrott was the club’s initial intention, however, Piroe is viewed as an ideal alternative. The striker started just two Premier League games last season, but has bagged 34 goals in three years at the club.
The structure of the deal could pose an issue, with West Ham preferring an initial loan with an obligation-to-buy clause that will guarantee both a permanent transfer and financial reward for Leeds.
Now, the Hammers are looking to sign another Premier League side’s attacking talent to complement Bowen and Solomon, with Leeds United being the target club.
West Ham plot move for Leeds’ Joel Piroe, as Troy Parrott talks stall
According to a report from Sky Sports, Leeds’ Joel Piroe is firmly on West Ham’s radar after falling out of favour at Elland Road last season.
Signing Troy Parrott was the club’s initial intention, however, Piroe is viewed as an ideal alternative. The striker started just two Premier League games last season, but has bagged 34 goals in three years at the club.
The structure of the deal could pose an issue, with West Ham preferring an initial loan with an obligation-to-buy clause that will guarantee both a permanent transfer and financial reward for Leeds.
Leeds, however, are seemingly in favour of an upfront sale, without the loan period prior. Piroe is reportedly desperate for minutes, and is concerned predominantly with playing time at either club.
The striker moved from Swansea City to Elland Road in 2023, and bagged 19 Championship goals for Leeds in 36 starts en route to Premier League promotion in the 2024-25 season.
He recently scored in a pre-season friendly against Wrexham, in a 3-2 loss. Last season, his sole goal came in the FA Cup, during a 3-0 win over Norwich.
Talks are expected to continue, with Parrott discussions having stalled due to a disparity in valuation between the Hammers and his current club, AZ Alkmaar.
Bowen’s Championship season got off to a fine start this afternoon, with an opening day assist to Max Kilman, who broke the deadlock versus Burnley.
The other two incomings this window for the Hammers are winger Keiber Lamadrid, who signed for just over €1 million from Deportivo La Guaira, and Alex Engels.
The Celtic midfielder has joined West Ham for a Championship record transfer fee of just over €25 million, and is expected to be a vital addition in the centre of the park as the Hammers push for promotion.
