Joel Piroe's comments hint at the reality that ex-Saints coach Ronald Koeman may have unknowingly put paid to the 26-year-old's potential St. Mary's transfer.
Recently, all Saints felt sympathy while checking on summer target Joel Piroe's situation, but doesn't it feel like they must pity themselves more? After all, should Ioannidis complete a Leeds move, the Premier League side will adorn two of the most vouched-for targets of Southampton.
Now, no offence to the Saints, but clearly put, the Saints' ambitions are Leeds' reality at the very least. And if the difference in their attacking department levels wasn't enough, Leeds' Top Flight ranking being higher than Southampton's Championship position says a lot.
Well, with the impending clash against Stoke, Saints fans can only hope for this scenario to improve soon. But then, there's Piroe, who, on the other side, is determined to get the better of his current situation.
That's because, let alone becoming the priority at Leeds, the 26-year-old recently expressed his ambitions of representing the Netherlands badge out and loud.
Piroe prioritized once Saints coach over Southampton speculations
Voicing to Voetbal International(as quoted by GetFootballNews), Piroe expressed optimism of a national assignment from ex-Southampton chief Ronald Koeman, saying: "I haven't had any indication yet that they're keeping an eye on me. But everyone's looking at the Premier League. If I perform well next season, hopefully I'll be considered".
Definitely a remarkable response in pressure from the Leeds striker, but reading between the lines, Piroe's comment speaks the reality Saints would want to avoid.
Around fifteen days back, Koeman sent success to them for a prosperous campaign down the Premier League and while it's none of his fault, Piroe is adamant to play with the former lending a guiding hand to him.
Which means steering clear from any Southampton inquiries, as a World Cup task comes once in four years. That too, when the Saints will be occupied with the everyday second division drill, until weeks prior to the global event.