Kemar Roofe
Marcelo Bielsa’s time at Leeds United saw some of the most successful seasons in their history. He came in when the club was in the Championship and guided them to the Premier League.
It was the first time in decades that the club had reached the English top flight. Bielsa managed to keep the team in the Premier League that season, with them finishing in the top half of the team. Unfortunately, the Whites parted ways the following season when the team was too close to danger near the end of the season.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
Many moments under the Argentine coach can be looked upon gleefully by the fanbase. However, there were moments during his time at the club that the fans would want to forget.
Kemar Roofe opens up on Leeds United exit
Kemar Roofe was the main man at Leeds United from 2017 to 2019, scoring over 20 league goals across two Championship campaigns. However, he made the abrupt switch to Anderlecht in Belgium in the final year of his contract. His decision to leave the club shocked many Leeds fans and Marcelo Bielsa himself. After many years since the saga, the 33-year old has now opened up on what happened:
“I wanted to get a new contract because I was the only player left there who signed my contract first, before everyone else.” he said speaking to The Athletic.
“I kind of deserved to have a new contract. I was coming into the last year of the contract, but whether Leeds had financial issues or whatever, it wasn’t possible to give me a new contract.
“That’s when it came to the point where I was getting sold. That wasn’t me pushing it. That was the club trying to sell me.”
He joined Anderlecht in August 2019, but only spent one season at the Belgian club before making a switch to Rangers. Roofe also detailed the conversation he had with Bielsa before leaving for Belgium.
“When I left Leeds, I went and saw Bielsa, to (explain) the scenario of what was going on with myself, the owner and Anderlecht, to give him an update because I’m not sure if he knew. He wasn’t happy I was leaving at all.
“He was really angry with it. Again, that’s a bit of validation that he thought I was a good player.”
Contract situations need to be resolved this summer
Away from Kemar Roofe, Leeds have current issues to deal with heading into this summer. The club have not yet guaranteed safety, but are looking ahead into the future. Reports have emerged about plans to tie down four first team players to new deals.
Ethan Ampadu is one of the priorities as his contract expires in 2027. Ilia Gruev, Pascal Struijk and Brenden Aaronson are also all in line for new deals. Each player has been a huge part of the team under Farke since the Championship.
READ MORE: Leeds United to open talks over four new deals – Daniel Farke will be sweating