Leeds United are reportedly keen on Macedonian winger Ezgjan Alioski.
According to reports from Corriere del Ticino, Leeds United are closing in on Lugano star Ezgjan Alioski, as he potentially becomes the first signing of the Thomas Christiansen era.
Christiansen was appointed as Leeds manager last week,and after inheriting a team that came seventh in the Championship under Garry Monk last season, he will be looking for new signings.
With Victor Orta brought in as Director of Football and a host of additions made to the transfer setup at Elland Road, Leeds will be hoping to make exciting additions – and one could be close.
Corriere del Ticino report that Leeds are now nearing a deal for Lugano star Ezgjan Alioski, who enjoyed a remarkable season in Switzerland last term.
Alioski, 25, smashed 17 goals and 14 assists in all competitions last season, with the Macedonian international enjoying by far his best season to date following a surprise position switch.
General view inside Elland Road
Alioski had spent his career as a left back before switching to play as a right-sided winger, where he has caused mayhem in Switzerland by cutting in on his left foot and shooting from range, whilst his runs off the last man have also reaped rewards.
Speaking to Aargauer Zeiting last month, Alioski revealed that he was initially stunned when former Lugano boss Zdenek Zeman brought him on as a substitute as an attacker, but he justified that decision by winning a penalty in the Swiss Cup semi-final against Luzern – and he hasn’t looked back since.
After Zeman left for Pescara, replacement Paolo Tramezzani arrived and immediately agreed with the switch in position, telling him that he was more unpredictable closer to the goal and of better use to Lugano, who have reaped the rewards of Alioski’s surprise switch from left back to the right of midfield.
Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum in action with Charlie Taylor
Leeds certainly need a left back following Charlie Taylor’s acrimonious exit, but if they do manage to secure a deal to sign Alioski, then they must not revert him back to his left back role, where he was considered to be solid if unspectacular.
Instead, Leeds should continue to use Alioski as a winger where he can continue to attack full backs, with the hope of him having far more of an impact that January signings Alfonso Pedraza and Modou Barrow.
Alioski’s versatility could come in handy, but having seen him enjoy the best season his of his career in a new position, Leeds have to stick to that switch in order to get the best out of Alioski, rather than reverting him back to being a left back unless they have no other option.
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