Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds United are locked in in contract talks with Gjanni Alioski, a development that has split the fanbase.
The full-back is out of contract in the summer and a report claimed on Wednesday that Alioski has agreed a deal in principle to join Galatasaray.
Losing a player like Alioski is one thing – losing him to Galatasaray is another entirely.
Leeds also risk the 28-year-old departing for free too, with foreign clubs able to make an approach on a pre-contract deal now.
Some fans are desperate for the Macedonian to stay, so news of contract talks have been warmly received by some.
Alioski had to be patient for game time in the early part of the season but has now established himself at left-back with Leeds suffering from injury problems, starting 12 consecutive league games.
However, there are other fans who think he’s not good enough for the Premier League.
He has had mixed success since coming into the side, achieving a WhoScored average rating of 6.6.
However, we think it’s a bit harsh to write him off and that most of the backlash from fans is down to who he’s been linked to.
It’s important to remember that these reports may have absolutely no basis in fact.
We think Alisoki is a perfect squad member, although he’s likely to be used from the bench when we’re at full strength or from next season.
We also think that Leeds need a natural left-back in the summer and that could threaten his game time even more.
We want him to stay. Other fans aren’t so sure.
Here is some of the reaction to Hay’s suggestion that contract talks are currently taking place…
He’s one I thought they’d look to move on actually. Love the bloke and will always be grateful for what he’s helped us achieve but we need far better to progress.
— . (@robw123q) January 28, 2021
If you want to improve in the premiership, he certainly ain’t the answer.
— James (@James00OBrien) January 28, 2021
Love him to bits but think we need a upgrade, I'd like us to sign to proper LB and use Dallas as cover.
— Burny 🏆 (@Aaronburnside) January 28, 2021
He aint that good sure we can replace no bother
— Paul Saunders (@rosandpaul_paul) January 28, 2021
He’s a great personality for the dressing room. But he’s no way good enough for prem level. He’s good at crossing and heading I’ll give him that. Rash in a tackle, not fast enough, gives the ball away far too often, and not composed enough.
— Adam Errington (@Adam_Errington) January 28, 2021
He is a solid stand in and has great utility against lower end clubs when we can exploit the overlapping full backs. Always has a goal in him and it was him winning the ball in the build up to our opener at the barcodes. Our squad is better for having him.
— Zippy Hornmonster (@ZippHornmonster) January 28, 2021
Definitely worth a 2 year contract.
Until we can complete our upgrade of the first 11, a squad player like Alioski ,who can play the Bielsa system, is still needed.— Jeff Jarvis (@rocketdog67) January 28, 2021
Players like Alioski and Berardi are 100% worth keeping hold of. They may not start many when everyone is fit but to have someone who’ll run through a brick wall for the team, itching to get on the pitch can only be a good thing.
— Dean Stephenson (@_LockSolutions) January 28, 2021
I like his attitude and commitment but he’s out of his depth in Premier League. Definitely a player you need when it comes to getting out of Championship. I think Berardi is the same if he ever plays in the PL for us
— Bod (@DarloBod) January 28, 2021
In other Leeds United news, ‘Brilliant’ – Warnock blown away by strong, fast Leeds star in 2-1 win over Newcastle.
