Paddy Kenny: It will be ’emotional’ to see Alioski quit Leeds after Orta confession
Leeds United will be glad that Ezgjan Alioski’s long-running contract saga has come to an end as it had become a “cloud hanging over” them.
That is according to ex-Whites goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Leeds confirmed the 29-year-old’s departure via their official website on 5th July.
In an accompanying statement, director of football Victor Orta described the North Macedonian’s arrival at the club in 2017 as a “beautiful moment” and that he knew he would be “special” straight away.
Football Insider revealed on 4th June that Leeds had offered a new and improved contract to Alioski.
But he has subsequently declined and leaves as a free agent after racking up 171 appearances in West Yorkshire.
Kenny accepts that Leeds will be sad to see him leave but that it is positive that the will-he-won’t-he contact situation is put to bed.
“I think they’ll be glad it’s put to bed now,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.
“There’s no point in having a cloud hanging over your head. He’s done an amazing job at Leeds while he’s been there and he’s a massive fan favourite for a reason.
“I’m sure it will be emotional to see him leave and you can see that from what he [Orta] has said.
“But sometimes you just have to say: ‘Right, now is the time to move on for the sake of the club’.“
Football Insider first broke news on 3rd July that 24-year-old Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo was jetting in to sign for Leeds.
A recruitment source told this site that Leeds agreed to pay £12.8million rising to £15.5m and Leeds have since confirmed he signed a four-year deal.
In other news, four Leeds United players expected to join new club as Marcelo Bielsa green-lights exodus.