‘Jeez’ – Largie Ramazani responds to Leeds teammate’s message after drama
Lukas Nmecha and Largie Ramazani could be set for contrasting futures at Leeds United after their dramatic victory over Everton.
Leeds opened their Premier League account on 18 August with a 1-0 victory over David Moyes’ side, with Nmecha’s 84th-minute penalty following a controversial handball decison against James Tarkowski.
Nmecha‘s winner came with just his third touch and six minutes after he replaced starting striker Joel Piroe, who was somewhat ineffective in the box despite leading Leeds’ relentless press in the first half.
Daniel Farke‘s frontline has already been bolstered further with the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, and another addition is close to completion with a fee agreed for AC Milan’s Noah Okafor.
Nmecha to capitalise on Leeds ‘glory’ as Ramazani faces exit
Nmecha’s clinical spot-kick against Everton may be enough for him to displace Piroe in the starting XI for Leeds’ trip to Arsenal on 23 August, but further competition is set to arrive up front in the form of Okafor.
Leeds have agreed a fee with AC Milan of over £17million for the Swiss international who can play both through the middle and wide on the left, potentially pushing Ramazani further down the pecking order.
Jack Harrison was preferred to Ramazani as a substitute for Wilfried Gnonto against his former club, and Okafor’s imminent arrival could leave the Belgian as Farke’s fourth-choice left winger at Elland Road.
Nmecha’s place could also be under threat if and when Okafor’s transfer is sealed, but the Germany striker sent a defiant message on Instagram (19 August) after his winning goal against Everton.
The 26-year-old said; “What a memorable night. Great start to the season +3 – All Glory To God”, and Ramazani was one of several Leeds players to leave a comment, saying: “JEEEZ”.
Okafor transfer to spark Leeds shake-up
Football Insider Verdict
Farke has repeatedly stated that strengthening his frontline would be the last piece of the jigsaw for Leeds’ transfer business this summer, with Calvert-Lewin and Okafor soon to be in playing contention.
Harrison was expected to be on the outer if Leeds sealed Okafor’s signature, but Farke bringing on the 28-year-old ahead of Ramazani suggests it’s the Belgian who will soon be out of favour at Elland Road.
Ramazani and Gnonto are both options on the right-hand side alongside Dan James to give the 24-year-old hope of salvaging his Leeds future, but it remains to be seen if Farke wants to keep him in the fold.