Leeds United striker Joel Piroe makes comment about Nottingham Forest soon after securing promotion to the Premier League

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Steve Cooper made countless signings during his time as Nottingham Forest boss, one player he did miss out on though, was Joel Piroe.

After securing safety in their first season back in the Premier League, the City Ground outfit were on the search for attacking reinforcements in the summer of 2023.

This saw Forest be linked with Piroe following the Dutchman’s impressive displays in the Championship with Swansea.

Cooper, though, wouldn’t get his man, with Forest opting to sign Chris Wood instead – a decision that would ultimately pay off for Evangelos Marinakis.

Piroe would join Leeds United instead and has since thrived at Elland Road, helping the Whites achieve promotion back to the Premier League this season.

After waving goodbye to the Championship, Piroe spoke on what’s next for Leeds, even earmarking Nottingham Forest as an inspiration.

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Joel Piroe wants Leeds United to recreate Nottingham Forest achievement

Forest’s Premier League survival in 2023 was to the detriment of Leeds, with the Whites suffering relegation that season.

Leeds have since flirted with promotion back to England’s top tier, but managed to seal the deal this campaign alongside Scott Parker’s Burnley.

When speaking on his side’s promotion, Piroe revealed his ambition for the club to emulate the success of Nottingham Forest and others.

“I want to go to the Premier League with Leeds. Hopefully, we can do as well as Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth a few years ago,” Piroe told ESPN.

“They are the teams we should look at who have made the transition from the Championship to the Premier League well.”

Piroe could be clever signing for Nottingham Forest

Forest’s pursuit of Matheus Cunha suggests Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are in the market for a creative forward this summer.

But with Manchester United seemingly holding the keys to Cunha’s future, Forest may turn their attention to a more viable and perhaps cheaper option – enter Joel Piroe.

With goals and creativity in abundance, the Dutch forward could potentially be a smart pickup for the City Ground side this summer.

Leeds will no doubt want to keep their star striker for their Premier League return, but with potential European money flooding in, Forest may be able to table an offer that the Whites cannot refuse.