You would think that Nottingham Forest have little room left for another striker or forward this summer, especially after the extraordinary amount of business they did last season. However the latest rumours regards Swansea City players leaving include one of the clubs prized assets Joel Piroe.
Joel is looked after by his father who has carefully managed him over his time at Swansea, and with a year to go on Joel’s contract and his desire to play in the premier league it seems something has to give. Nottingham Forest have been linked purely because Steve Cooper first came across Joel when England U17 manager, in turn he recommended the Swans look towards PSV Eindhoven to check out his availability. Then Cooper left the club. Both Cooper and assistant Alan Tate know the player, but the rumours seem more to do with those past links than anything concrete today.
The Swans have received inquiries for players in the last week but have made it clear they want to resolve the saga of Russell Martin and four backroom staff leaving the club for now. Despite Southampton’s assertions he will become their manager when they are officially a championship club, he isn’t going anywhere unless he breaches his contract or compensation is agreed. As we have explained this week the regulations around this are simple. And it’s official opinion.
That’s here –> Martin’s Legal Position
Piroe first came to notice of a premier league club way back in December 2021, that was revealed here initially on Swansea Independent. You can read the trail of news below going back to the first knockings of interest.
On that occasion it was Leicester City, who unlike Forest cannot fulfil Piroe’s aspirations of playing premier league football since their relegation. However, it’s a likelihood they could well do in time. Talk around certain quarters has reignited Leicester City’s interest but it’s almost certain the likes of Southampton and the Foxes will come second to any premier league opportunity. There are far smaller clubs in the premier league so maybe …. there’s half a chance for one of the relegated sides to earn his signature.
It makes sense now for both Piroe and Swansea to part company, it’s not what Swansea fans want to hear but he won’t sign any form of contract to remain at the club, so let’s get best value this summer. Despite certain Luton twitterati ( a few clearly believing they have the monopoly on what is reported on their club ) believing Paul Watson won’t be coming to Swansea - it’s almost time for him to start his long awaited role at the club. Whatever people’s thoughts are he will have sufficient targets to satisfy any concerns in those goalscoring positions.
It’s looking like Morgan Whittaker and Joel Piroe are now circulating in their respective circles as available, but you can be rest assured they won’t be going cheap and it most certainly wont be quick.