Largie Ramazani: A Game-Changer for Leeds United?

Largie Ramazani: A Game-Changer for Leeds United?

Leeds United's quest for promotion has taken a significant turn with the impending arrival of Largie Ramazani from Almeria. The 23-year-old winger, who began his career in Belgium before moving to England at a young age, has flown into England for a medical, with a £10.2 million deal agreed, including a 15% sell-on clause for the Spanish club. As the excitement builds among Leeds supporters, the big question is: What can Ramazani bring to Elland Road, and how will he fit into the team's existing dynamics, particularly with Wilfried Gnonto?

Early Career: From Brussels to Manchester

Born in Sint-Agatha-Berchem, Brussels, Ramazani’s football journey began far from the bright lights of La Liga. After moving to London at the age of 12, Ramazani joined Charlton Athletic's youth setup, following unsuccessful trials with Fulham and Chelsea. His potential was evident, and it wasn’t long before Manchester United took notice. In July 2017, at the age of 16, Ramazani signed a four-year deal with the Red Devils.

At Manchester United, Ramazani quickly made an impression, progressing through the club’s youth ranks. After signing his first professional contract in March 2018, he played for the under-18, under-21, and under-23 squads. His performances were promising, culminating in his senior debut for United on November 28, 2019, in a UEFA Europa League match against FC Astana. However, despite this breakthrough, Ramazani was released by the club in June 2020 after reportedly turning down a new contract.

A New Chapter in Almería

As a free agent, Ramazani signed a five-year contract with Spanish Segunda División side UD Almería in August 2020. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one where he would quickly establish himself as a key player. His development at Almería was rapid, and he played a crucial role in their promotion to La Liga. His first goal in Spain's top flight came on August 14, 2022, in a narrow 2–1 defeat to Real Madrid—a moment that underscored his potential on the big stage.

Ramazani's contributions have not gone unnoticed. In one standout performance on October 1, 2023, he provided a hat-trick of assists in a thrilling 3–3 draw against Granada CF, showcasing his ability to impact games not just as a goal scorer but as a creator as well.

A Comparison with Wilfried Gnonto

To understand Ramazani's potential impact at Leeds, it's essential to compare him with Wilfried Gnonto, one of the current key attacking players at the club. As shown in the comparison visual included in this article, Ramazani and Gnonto offer different strengths that could either complement each other or create an intriguing selection dilemma for manager Daniel Farke.

Goal Threat and Progressive Carrying: Ramazani outshines Gnonto in both of these areas, with higher percentile rankings in La Liga for these metrics. Ramazani's ability to create and exploit goal-scoring opportunities, combined with his knack for carrying the ball forward, suggests he could be a more direct and aggressive threat in the final third. This could be particularly valuable in breaking down stubborn defenses, something Leeds struggled with at times last season.

Chance Creation: Another area where Ramazani edges Gnonto is in chance creation. His vision and passing ability enable him to set up teammates in dangerous positions, which could be a perfect fit for Leeds' dynamic, high-tempo style of play. The prospect of Ramazani feeding the likes of Patrick Bamford or even linking up with Gnonto is an exciting one for Leeds fans.

Goal Efficiency and Ball Retention: However, Gnonto still has an edge in certain areas. He is more efficient in front of goal and better at retaining possession, two crucial aspects in high-pressure situations. Gnonto's composure and ability to hold onto the ball in tight spaces could complement Ramazani's more explosive style, potentially forming a versatile and unpredictable attacking partnership.

What This Means for Leeds United

Ramazani's arrival adds depth and quality to Leeds' attack, but it also raises questions about Gnonto's future. The Italian international has previously expressed a desire to leave, and with Ramazani coming in, speculation will only intensify. Should Gnonto stay, Leeds could boast one of the Championship's most formidable attacking duos, blending Ramazani's directness with Gnonto's efficiency.

On the other hand, if Gnonto departs, Ramazani could find himself shouldering more responsibility as a key creator and goal-scorer. Either way, Leeds are strengthening their squad with a player who has the potential to be a game-changer.

Conclusion

Largie Ramazani’s signing represents a significant investment for Leeds United, not just financially, but also in terms of their promotion ambitions. His journey from the youth ranks of Charlton Athletic and Manchester United to the top tier of Spanish football speaks volumes about his resilience and talent. Now, at Leeds, he has the opportunity to showcase his abilities on the English stage once again. Whether he partners with Wilfried Gnonto or steps into a leading role should Gnonto leave, Ramazani looks set to be a pivotal figure at Elland Road this season. For Leeds fans, his arrival is yet another reason to be optimistic about the campaign ahead.