Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell believes Ezgjan Alioski’s time at Leeds United will come to an end this summer, following reports suggesting as much on Wednesday evening.
The Lowdown: Alioski’s future up in the air
It is expected to be a busy summer at Elland Road, with Marcelo Bielsa bringing in new signings and other players heading the other way.
Alioski is now officially a free agent, following the expiration of his contract on Wednesday, and it remains to be seen if he will sign a new deal.
A move to Galatasaray has been mooted, but he could also stay on and look to add to his tally of 22 goals in 171 appearances for Leeds.
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The Latest: Pundit tips left-back to leave
Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell claimed Alioski would likely leave this summer, assuming Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo comes in, as expected:
“It can go one of two ways. It will either kick him on to sign a new contract and fight for his place or he more likely will go, ‘Right, I’m off.’
“I know he is not a left-back but that was his slot, let’s be honest. If I am Firpo, I am coming to Leeds to play every week so it would suggest to me that Alioski’s time is up.
“The club have waited and waited and waited. He had a decent Euros as well so he probably feels he can move on.”
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The Verdict: Right time to move on
Alioski has been an excellent servant for Leeds, not only providing quality and versatility but also proving to be a big character in the dressing room.
Despite this, it makes sense for him to move on ahead of next season, with a more natural, younger left-back in Firpo bringing a freshness to the team.
At 29, Alioski is unlikely to get any better – he may regress, if anything – and taking him off the wage bill could free up funds for other new signings.
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