Who is Largie Ramazani? Leeds United's new signing set to replace Summerville | OneFootball

FLW profile Almeria winger Largie Ramazani as he closes in on a move to Leeds United.

Key Takeaways

Leeds United are set to complete the signing of Largie Ramazani from Almeria as they strengthen Daniel Farke’s squad ahead of the deadline.

It has been a hugely frustrating summer for the Whites so far since losing the play-off final against Southampton back in May, as several key figures have departed - and many are yet to be replaced.

Crysencio Summerville is one of those, with the 20-goal winger, who was named as Championship Player of the Year, securing a move to West Ham.

After weeks searching for a replacement, it appears Leeds have finally got their man, as journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Ramazani is set to undergo a medical today before his transfer to the Yorkshire outfit is done after an €11.7m package was agreed.

Largie Ramazani’s career so far

It’s likely that many Leeds fans won’t know about their new recruit, but the attacker, who can play down both flanks and centrally if needed, does have a connection to English football.

Ramazani, now 23, moved from Belgium to London when he was 12, and he was part of Charlton Athletic’s academy for a few years before attracting attention from Man Utd.

He would impress for the Red Devils’ youth sides with his blistering pace and dribbling ability, and he actually made one first-team appearance for the club, coming on as a substitute in a Europa League tie at FC Astana in the 2019/20 season.

However, he was understandably some way down the pecking order at Old Trafford, so most of his game time came for their development sides, before he moved on in 2020 in search of regular football, as he signed a five-year deal with Almeria.

Largie Ramazani impresses at Almeria

It’s fair to say that’s a decision that has paid off, as Ramazani has got the game time he wanted over the past four years, as he has featured 128 times for Almeria since joining.

Those outings have come in the top two divisions, with the player part of the squad that won promotion in 2022, although they were relegated last season.

Ramazani’s stats aren’t the most impressive in La Liga, but it should be noted that he was playing for a side that were generally battling to stay in the league, which is always going to restrict what attacking players can do.

It will certainly be a different story at Leeds this season, as Daniel Farke’s men will look to dominate most weeks, and it should present him with more opportunities.

As well as playing regularly for his club, Ramazani has represented Belgium at various youth levels going up to U21, but he is yet to make his senior debut for his country.

Largie Ramazani could be a smart long-term signing for Leeds

In terms of his individual qualities, it has been claimed that Ramazani is the Summerville replacement, which gives an indication of what type of player he is.

At 5ft 6in, he is not the biggest player, but that low centre of gravity and searing pace makes him a constant threat down the flank.

Like the Dutchman, he is at his best on the left side, where he is capable of going down the outside of a full-back, but he also regularly looks to cut inside onto his preferred right foot to get a shot at goal.

As is always the case, there are areas of his game that can be improved, but Leeds will hope a new environment can allow Ramazani to flourish, and at 23, he is someone who could enjoy his best years at Elland Road.

If all goes to plan, Ramazani could be part of the Leeds squad that take on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Friday night as they seek their first win of the season.