Total REGRET to Leeds United, after selling him out now becoming a world-best”- Leeds sold “infectious” gem in 2023, now he’s outscoring Piroe & Joseph
Leeds United chose not to invest in a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window, despite several high-profile departures. While Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville both left for Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United respectively, Leeds only brought in wingers Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon to strengthen their attack. Additionally, Brenden Aaronson returned from his loan at Union Berlin to compete for the number 10 role, but manager Daniel Farke opted not to sign a new striker.
As a result, Leeds entered the 2024/25 Championship season with Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph, and Patrick Bamford as their main striker options.
Leeds United’s Striking Options: Mixed Results
The trio have had a mixed impact so far this season. Bamford has struggled, failing to score or assist in his six league appearances as a substitute. Joseph, on the other hand, has netted two goals and provided three assists in 15 appearances, including nine starts, though his finishing has been inconsistent, missing five ‘big chances’.
Piroe has been the most effective of the three, scoring six goals from an expected goals (xG) value of 4.11 and adding two assists in 15 appearances, including seven starts.
However, one former Leeds forward is currently outscoring all three of them combined—Max Dean.
Max Dean’s Impressive Record Since Leaving Leeds
Dean, who joined Leeds from Everton in the summer of 2019, had a successful stint at the U21 level, scoring 16 goals in 38 appearances. He was deemed surplus to requirements by then-manager Jesse Marsch and was sold to MK Dons in early 2023 for an undisclosed fee.
At MK Dons, Dean flourished, scoring 20 goals and registering five assists in 43 appearances, including 15 goals in 29 League Two matches during the 2023/24 season.
Earlier this year, Belgian side Gent secured his services for a reported £1m, and he has enjoyed a flying start to life in Belgium. In the current 2024/25 campaign, Dean has scored nine goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances, surpassing the combined total of Piroe, Joseph, and Bamford, who have scored eight goals between them in all competitions.
At just 20 years old, Dean’s potential is undeniable. Described as having an “infectious” personality by his former manager Mike Williamson, he is thriving in Belgium, and Leeds may now be questioning whether they made the right decision in selling him. If he continues to shine as a goal scorer in Europe, Leeds could find themselves regretting his departure in the long run.
