In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has called for perspective regarding Ezgjan Alioski’s career plans.
Alioski is being strongly linked with a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray in a development that has, understandably, not gone down well.
The 2000 UEFA Cup semi-final match-up between both sides, where Leeds supporters Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight were murdered by Galatasaray fans prior to the encounter, has not been forgotten.
Should Leeds let Alioski go?
Yes!
No!
It makes any potential move to the Turk Telekom Arena a controversial one. And while Palmer can understand the outrage these links have caused, the retired England international believes Alioski should be given some leeway if he does decide to sign for Fatih Terim’s side.
“It’s a difficult one that one, isn’t it?” Palmer said in an interview with FFC. “So he shouldn’t move to the club for what happened, which wasn’t his fault or anything to do with him?
“I understand that it leaves a bit of a sour taste and whatever, but that’s really nothing to do with the player. If at the end of the day it’s good business for the player and it’s good business for the football club, I don’t really think that should come into it.”
Alioski’s contract is up at the end of the season, so the left-back will be able to join Galatasaray or any other side on a free transfer. Regarding replacements, Leeds are currently being linked with Crystal Palace’s Patrick van Aanholt, who will also be a free agent in the summer.