Leeds United at Elland Road. (Photo by Nigel French - Pool/Getty Images)Leeds United at Elland Road. (Photo by Nigel French - Pool/Getty Images)
Leeds United at Elland Road. (Photo by Nigel French - Pool/Getty Images)

Leeds United transfer news: Pundit touts big name exit, Forward looks to seal permanent switch

Sunday’s 4-2 defeat to Arsenal wasn’t exactly Leeds United's finest hour since they returned to the Premier League.

The Whites were 4-0 down at one stage before mounting something of a comeback, but for the most part, this was a rare misstep for Marcelo Bielsa and his side.

In particular, Leeds struggled to live with the constant threat posed by young talent Bukayo Saka, so much so that former Elland Road stopper Paul Robinson believes that the trip to the Emirates could have lasting consequences for the man tasked with keeping the 19-year-old quiet.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, the ex-England number one said: “I think [Gianni] Alioski was exposed again for his defensive frailties.

“Leeds’ need for a left-back is getting more and more apparent.

“You saw when Alioski walked off the pitch, he looked really dejected and he had a long walk around the pitch. He did his best to avoid Pepe as well on his way round after what happened at Elland Road.

“Leeds will buy a recognised left-back in the summer and that could force Alioski to look elsewhere with his contract coming up.

“There’s no word on his contract situation and getting subbed off like that and Huggins coming on and doing excellently… it doesn’t bode well for him at the moment.”

The stats back up Robinson’s criticisms too.

As per Whoscored, Alioski made just one tackle against Arsenal – a notable decrease on the five he managed against Crystal Palace just a few days earlier.

Likewise, he registered no clearances and and won 0% of his aerial duels, while Saka made 10 attempted dribbles – nearly double his season average of 5.13, as per Wyscout.

It was certainly an afternoon to forget for Alioski.

Elsewhere, Leeds forward Rafa Mujica has made a flying start to life with new team Las Palmas.

The Spaniard joined the Gran Canaria outfit on loan in January, and according to AS, has hit the ground running.

Mujica scored on his second outing for the club, and the Spanish outlet suggested that he put in an “outstanding” shift.

La Provincia back that view up, and they now suggested he has 17 games to earn himself a permanent move.

So far, so good on that front for the 22-year-old...