Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has paid a glowing tribute to departing winger Largie Ramazani as he prepares to exit the club.
Largie Ramazani is expected to join Valencia imminently on an initial loan deal, bringing an end to his time at Elland Road.
After joining Leeds at the start of their promotion season, Ramazani played a peripheral role in their return to the top flight as Daniel Farke preferred former loanee Manor Solomon on the left and Dan James on the right.
Now, Ramazani looks set to return to La Liga as Leeds attempt to refresh their options in attack, having been linked with Christantus Uche of Getafe in recent days.
With Ramazani preparing to leave the club, Farke has now paid an emotional tribute to the winger, praising his impact at Leeds last season.
Largie Ramazani playing for Leeds United in pre-season friendly.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Daniel Farke praises departing winger Largie Ramazani
Speaking in his weekly press conference ahead of Leeds’ game against Newcastle, Farke confirmed that Ramazani would imminently leave the club.
In a long tribute to the winger, Farke praised his impact during Leeds’ promotion season and explained that he believes Ramazani needs regular game time to get the best out of him, which he could not guarantee at Leeds.
The Leeds boss said: “You won’t hear one bad word from me right now about Largie, especially not once he is pretty close to leaving.
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“I think this would lack class, and it’s also not my honest opinion because I think he’s an unbelievable player. He was always professional when he was here. He also showed his talent and his potential, especially in the last game days when we were celebrating, and he was such a great teammate.”
He added: “He’s also a player who needs confidence and consistency in order to bring the best out of him. I think it’s also fair to say that when you play a lot in the opponent’s half, then he can work his magic and his creativity.
“He’s outstanding close to the opponent’s goal, because he always does the unexpected, and this is a big strength.”
“I think sometimes, for a newly promoted side, a few other attributes and skills are necessary. But you won’t hear one bad word for me for Largie. I feel pretty honoured and blessed that I was allowed to work with him for the whole year.”
Largie Ramazani in action for Leeds against Cardiff.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Impending departure increases Leeds’ transfer need
With Ramazani set to leave Leeds in the coming days, and Noah Okafor expected to miss the Newcastle game, Farke will have one less option to choose from up front.
Although Ramazani was a peripheral figure in the Leeds squad last season, his six goals and two assists made him a valuable weapon in Farke’s arsenal.
Only five players scored more goals than Ramazani in the Championship last season and, with Leeds struggling to break teams down, he could have provided a different option for Farke from the bench.
However, with no more deals expected before the game at the weekend, Farke will have to make do with the options in his squad.