Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo have both responded after hearing that a player that left Leeds United last season is closing in on a League title, with promotion already secured.
Leeds waved goodbye to 16 players last summer whether that be on loan, for a transfer fee or players that saw their contracts expire. Tyler Adams left for Bournemouth for a fee north of £20m last summer.
Eight senior players left on loan thanks to Victor Orta’s relegation loan clause, including the likes of Max Wober, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen who have moved to Germany, Spain and Italy this season.
Others left at the end of their contracts including Adam Forshaw and Joel Robles with the duo invited back for pre-season to train technically, as free agents but both players turned down that opportunity.
Forshaw went to Norwich and then Plymouth while Robles moved to Saudi Arabia to join second-tier side Al-Qadsiah. It saw Robles move to a club that were being managed by Robbie Fowler, at least initially.
But it has been a move to remember for Robles after leaving Elland Road, starring between the sticks:
Joel Robles posts on Instagram as he closes in on League title
The 33-year-old has been immense in Saudi Arabia’s second tier this season in a side that also boasts Mbaye Diagne, Max Power and Andre Carillo, playing every minute of Al-Qadsiah’s league campaign.
The Spaniard has kept 14 clean sheets of 31 league games, conceding just 25 goals this season. A 2-2 draw on Monday against Ohod saw Al-Qadsiah confirm their place in next season’s Saudi Pro League.
It will see Robles take on the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Naymar’s Al-Hilal next season. That is of course, he signs a new deal with his current contract expiring in June and he posted on Instagram.
“No better feeling than achieving the objective as a team, proudly representing Al-Qadsiah. Ambitious and we are focused in our main goal to win the Championship, great job. Hello Saudi Pro League, here we go.”
Ayling and Firpo react as Robles closes in on League title
With three League games to play, Robles and Al-Qadsiah sit nine clear of second-placed Al Kholood. A goal difference 10 better of their nearest rivals meaning they need only a point to secure the League.
It might be that Robles is working under Jose Mourinho come next season with Ben Jacobs reporting that the club’s ambitious owners are looking to recruit iconic boss Mourinho for their first season at the top.
But promotion is secured for Robles with the League title close and both Ayling and Firpo commented on Robles’ Instagram. Ayling said: “Love it big fella”, before Firpo replied: “Grande big joooooou.”
