During an interview with Football Insider, Kevin Phillips has predicted a Leeds United exit for Ezgjan Alioski in the summer. The former footballer is firm that the player’s lack of game-time at Elland Road could force him to look for a move elsewhere when the ongoing campaign comes to a close.
“It is looking more than likely that he’ll leave in the summer. It is an area that Bielsa will be looking at ahead of the summer window. They will be looking to bring someone in.
Although Alioski has done well when he has played, to have been dropped for the last three games is not a good sign. “You would have to say that, come the summer, he will move on. I am pretty sure that will happen.”, Phillips told Football Insider.
Ezgjan Alioski’s Story So Far This Season
Ezgjan Alioski was one of Leeds United’s primary alternatives for Stuart Dallas at left-back, following the departure of Barry Douglas. He was also thought to be a back-up for Jack Harrison in a more attacking role, though it was always unlikely that he was going to get regular game-time.
However, Alioski became a surprise regular in Marcelo Bielsa’s setup midway through the campaign as the Argentine shifted to a three-man backline at times. His services were thus useful in the wingback role, where the player’s ability to move up and down the pitch gave Leeds a lot of dynamism on the flanks.
Even in a traditional back-four, Alioski was favoured in a left-back position. He featured ahead of Dallas, who continued his good performances in a new central midfield role, scoring the odd goals every two or three matches.
That said, things have changed for the worse in recent weeks, as far as Alioski is concerned. The Macedonian has been ignored from the starting eleven for the past three matches, with Bielsa shifting Dallas back to his favoured left-back role, despite the absence of Kalvin Phillips.
Does Alioski’s Potential Sale Make Sense?
Alioski is certainly among the flashiest players at Leeds United, with the player also boasting the dynamism and aggression that resembles Bielsa’s tactical philosophy. His performances in the Premier League have been decent as well, even though he doesn’t have the productivity to show for it.
The 29-year-old’s current contract, though, is expiring at the end of the campaign. And following four years of services, it appears Leeds United are now moving on, which was hinted in the departure of Douglas last summer.
Alioski himself would want to move elsewhere, looking for a new challenge. While it remains unlikely that he will be able to find a move to a Premier League club next season, he could certainly consider leaving England, in favour of a switch to any of the other top five European leagues.
As for Leeds United, they are likely to enter the market for a new left-back in the summer – someone who can compete with Dallas as Bielsa looks to improve his side’s quality in the upcoming transfer window.
