Leeds United‘s Joël Piroe admits he wanted to join Ajax before completing a move to West Ham United last month.
The striker lost prominence at Leeds United and was behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the pecking order at Elland Road.
He decided to leave Leeds United and Ajax and West Ham came forward to secure his services in the summer window.
In the end, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side won the battle and signed Piroe on loan with an obligation to buy.
Held talks with Ajax before West Ham move
The Dutch-born Suriname international has been speaking to FC Afkicken about his failed move to the Eredivisie side and Ajax Show Time have relayed his comments.
Ajax finished fifth in the league last season and haven’t won the title since 2022. The possibility of helping the Dutch club reclaim the top spot in the Netherlands was tempting for the Leeds United man.
The West Ham summer signing held talks with Ajax technical director Cruyff.
“Jordi had already contacted us. Ajax was a serious candidate for me in that regard,” he said.
“As you also gathered: they were really building a new team. They wanted to sign me as a striker as well. I felt confident.
“On the other hand, I also thought: if you can bring Ajax back to what they were a few years ago, that would be great. That is certainly an ambition.”
Leeds United’s demand problem for Ajax
The Dutch club were convinced of the 27-year-old’s qualities but still didn’t go ahead with the operation. This allowed West Ham United to sign him from Leeds United.
Joël Piroe now says Ajax refused to meet Leeds United’s €15m price and this was one of the reasons for his failed move to Amsterdam.
“At that moment, they found €15m too much. At that time, they still had to get rid of Weghorst and other strikers,” Piroe explained.
His contract at Leeds United runs down in 2027, and Transfermarkt value him at €10m. He would have played in the UEFA Conference League with Ajax and now settle for the Championship with the Hammers.
The frontman has a goal from three league matches for West Ham this season.
