According to Leeds Live reporter Joe Donnohue, Leeds United left-back Ezgjan Alioski ‘really, really does want to stay’ at Elland Road this summer.
The North Macedonian is out of contract at the end of the month but Leeds do not want to lose the 29-year-old on a free. Meanwhile, Football Insider is reporting that Alioski could double his wages by leaving the club, despite an offer on improved terms on the table.
Speaking on The Blue White and Yellow podcast, Donnohue has said that Alioski ‘really does want to stay’ but suggested that it is ‘a very complex situation.’
“From what I understand, Alioski really, really does want to stay, and he’s had really positive conversations with Victor and Angus, but it comes down to his agent and earning potential, really, and this is going to be the last big contract of his career. So it is a very complex situation.
“Because when fans hear that, well, if he wants to stay, why doesn’t he just stay? You know, it seems a very, very simple thing. But there’s just so many factors going on and it’s easy for us to sit here and say ‘well, if he wants to stay, he can stay.’
“There’s a lot of things going on, you hear things from three or four different sources and you have to kind of make up your own mind as to what is the real truth.”
TIF Thoughts on Alioski’s Leeds contract…
Having appeared for Leeds 36 times in the league this season, it’s clear that Alioski is of importance to Leeds United.
Alioski scored two goals and assisted three in the Premier League this year, as Leeds United finished 9th in their first season back in England’s top flight after a 16-year absence. The North Macedonia international received a WhoScored rating of 6.62 in the Premier League for Leeds this season.
Alioski’s versatility is also a reason why he is of importance to the Lilywhites, with the 29-year-old able to play on the left, centre and right of midfield as well as at left-back. Considering the attempts to keep him at the club, Marcelo Bielsa will surely be hoping that he can tie Alioski down to remain at Elland Road this season, but it remains to be seen whether the North Macedonian stays or goes elsewhere ahead of the new season.