Joel Piroe has had much expectation on his young shoulders in the last two to three years. That expectation increased dramatically when he fired a thirty minute hatrick for his country in the 2017, under19, UEFA Cup against Germany.
Watching that day was then under 17 England manager Steve Cooper, he was obviously pretty impressed with what he saw. From that point onwards the likes of Juventus, Manchester City, PSG, Arsenal, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund we’re connected to the young striker. Even when Cooper came to the swans initially Piroe was one of the players he desperately wanted. Piroe fitted his vision for Swansea City based on Jose Segura’s tactical deployment of wing backs - and two holding midfielders switching roles as the passing reaches the opponents half. From an early age Piroe was determined to become a footballer like his hero Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Later on he would be coached by Ruud at PSV.
The Swansea City connections don’t end there though, Joel Piroe ended up joint top scorer at the 2017 tournament, with one Viktor Gyökeres of Sweden.
Swansea City inquired about Piroe on numerous occasions, and Cooper has kept tabs on the player over the last two years. The same could be said regards Gyökeres, unfortunately last season that didn’t work out. The pandemic would have not helped his interest in signing Piroe, so now a "more quiet and out of the picture” Steve Cooper, for whatever reason will be a very happy man. He certainly should be given the money initially paid out for the Dutch International.
At last after several attempts the funds, and a more healthier climate has enabled the swans to get Joel Piroe’s signature. For the past five days Piroe has had to self isolate in Swansea before linking up with his new team mates at Pennyhill Park in Surrey. A pretty exclusive venue often used by England Rugby. The swans will be there for the next few days before reconvening on Saturday back at Landore where two new signings are expected to be announced.
The swans arrive in Surrey for pre season
Hopefully the clubs desire to support Steve Cooper as he approaches his third Swansea City season with this signing, and the promise of more to come this week will wash away all further talk of him leaving the Liberty. And maybe even prompt a few quotes too, one happy family see, that’s all we want.
WE DO FOOTBALL WRITING
Piroe scoring his memorable hatrick, click to view