Paul Robinson wants Ezgjan Alioski to leave Leeds United
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson maintains Leeds United should let Ezgjan Alioski at the end of his contract after he “caused a lot of problems” with the speculation linking him with Galatasaray.
Earlier this year, Alioski, 29, was strongly linked with a move to the Istanbul club [Football Insider] and that sparked an angry reaction from sections of the Leeds support as Kevin Speight and Christopher Loftus were stabbed to death by Galatasaray fans in 2000.
However, it seems to have gone quiet in regards to Alioski moving to Galatasaray and that suggests the North Macedonia international has pulled out of a move there in a bid to save face in West Yorkshire.
The Mirror has more recently reported that while Alioki’s contract expires next week, Victor Orta still wants to see him stay at Elland Road and is happy to keep his new contract offer on the table until he makes a final decision.
Robinson seems slightly surprised by Leeds’ stance and believes it’s best for all parties to go their separate ways this summer.
“It’s been going on for a long time now. At one point, I was certain he was leaving but then Leeds have said the door’s still open,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“In the three games I’ve watched him in at the European Championships – I’ve covered all three North Macedonia games – and he’s done well.
“He’s got defensive weaknesses and frailties but he’s been one of their stand-out players alongside Goran Pandev. His penalty was poor but he managed to score the rebound.
“You look at Leeds and they have to sign a top left-back if they want to improve and get better. They’re going to do that so Alioski’s not going to play at the back, he’s not good enough to challenge the midfield we’ve got. I
“f he’s happy to be a bit-part player next season then there’s a role for him. If he wants to play week in, week out, it’s not going to be at Leeds.
“I think it’s best for everybody that he moves on now.
“He caused a lot of problems when he said he’s going to Galatasaray knowing the issues between the two clubs. He hasn’t had the best of seasons and hasn’t endeared himself to the fans.”
In other Leeds United news, this central midfielder is ready to quit his club in favour of joining the Whites.