Leeds United have opened talks with Ezgjan Alioski over a new deal at the club, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay. The winger, who has more recently been converted to a left-back under Marcelo Bielsa, will see his current deal expire at the end of this season, but both parties are expected to reach an agreement soon to extend his stay at Elland Road.
Ezgjan Alioski in Talks Over New Leeds United Deal
A Successful Few Weeks
Getting a new contract over the line would cap what has been a successful month for Alioski. In addition to these negotiations coming to light, he also helped his national side, North Macedonia, secure an unlikely place at next year’s re-scheduled Euro 2020 tournament.
Veteran striker Goran Pandev, formerly of Inter Milan and now playing for Genoa, scored the only goal in the play-off match away at Georgia to seal North Macedonia’s first-ever qualification for a major tournament.
Alioski’s Time at Leeds
Leeds have had to make changes since their promotion to the Premier League, and those have seen Alioski become more of a squad player since their return to the top flight.
However, he is still a hugely important player for Bielsa, as shown in his other seasons with the club.
He scored seven times in 42 games in the 2017/18 campaign, his first after moving from Lugano, and notched seven again the season after in 44 outings.
Last term, he scored five times in 39 games as Leeds earned promotion back to the Premier League. Although lower, this turned out to be a decent tally, with only Patrick Bamford reaching double figures with his contribution.
Though he may feature less this season, the fact Leeds want to extend his deal, and on improved terms, shows that they see the importance in having a character such as Alioski around the squad.
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