Kemar Roofe during his time with Leeds United (Getty Images)
According to The Mirror, Leeds United are set to open talks with Kemar Roofe over a new contract after Christmas. The 25-year-old’s current contract at Elland Road expires at the end of next season, 18 months from now. The versatile West Bromwich Albion academy graduate has impressed this term under legendary Argentine technician Marcelo Bielsa. The Whites are hoping to have him committed to a new contract by early 2019 (h/t The Mirror).
Roofe was a big-money signing for Garry Monk in the summer of 2016. The forward had been a goalscoring sensation for previous club Oxford United. For the last two seasons, he struggled to hit the same form for Leeds.
However, Roofe has been sensational this season and has already hit double figures. Leeds should be wary about losing him the same way they lost Chris Wood. It seems to be a no-brainer for Leeds to agree to a new contract with the forward.
The fact that he scored merely 3 goals in his first season was a major disappointment. He followed it up with 11 league goals last season. However, there was still a sense that the centre-forward, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, was yet to reach his full potential.
To that end, Bielsa has unlocked Roofe’s untapped potential. The 25-year-old has turned into an excellent finisher this season, scoring goals for fun as Leeds find themselves in the driver’s seat of the Championship title race. And hence, the Elland Road side should move to tie down one of their biggest stars of the season to a new contract.
Roofe has remarkably turned things around at Leeds and he deserves a contract that reflects his value to the club. Securing Roofe’s future for the long term would be the perfect way for the Whites to herald 2019.
Given that his teammates Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Samuel Saiz are yet to start talks over contract extensions, it is just a matter of time before the Leeds hierarchy initiates discussions. This might a measured approach by Leeds to avoid contract talks affecting Bielsa’s side as they aim for promotion at the Argentine’s first time of asking.
Regardless, Roofe should be one of the first names on their list as far as contract renewals are concerned.
