*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:43, 30 December 2020 (UTC)
Jhon Alexander Pírez Araújo (born 20 February 1993) is an Uruguayan footballer who plays as a striker.
Career
Born in Montevideo, Pírez joined hometown Defensor Sporting's youth categories in 2004, aged 11.[1] On 4 August 2008 he was invited to a trial period at Chelsea, and after impressing during his stay he was granted a scholarship deal with the club.[2]
However, due to FIFA regulations, Pírez was not allowed to play in England before his eighteenth birthday. He subsequently returned to Defensor, now in a loan deal.[3]
In 2010 summer Pírez was promoted to Defensor's first team, but due to appendicitis, missed half of the season. On 5 February 2011, he made his professional debut, against River Plate, replacing David Texeira in the 76th minute and netting a last-minute goal of a 4–1 home routing.[4]
Pírez made his second appearance on 17 April, against Fénix.[5] However, he suffered a knee injury in May.[6]
On 9 July 2012, Pírez joined CE Sabadell FC in a one-month loan deal, mainly to regain match fitness.[7] In late August he was loaned out to CD Leganés, in a season-long deal.[8]
On 10 August 2013, Pírez extended his loan stay at CD Leganés loan with the Madrid side for another campaign,[9] which ended in promotion, with the player appearing in 19 matches, mainly as a substitute. On 23 May 2014 he was released by Chelsea.[10][11]