Leeds United reportedly rejected two big-money offers for Samuel Saiz earlier in the window.
Saiz’s quality is undeniable. But at the time, there appeared to be something of a split amongst the Elland Road faithful, with some – seemingly, the majority – suggesting that the club were absolutely right to reject all bids, and others hinting that they would consider a sale.
The Spaniard’s form during the second-half of last season was nowhere near the same level as his performances during the first-half, and his occasional outbursts hinted that he may be a player that Marcelo Bielsa may struggle to rely on.
However, based on his performance against Stoke City during the opening weekend of the new Championship season, it would appear that keeping Saiz this summer looks set to prove a masterstroke from Leeds.
The playmaker was back to his majestic best against the Potters. He was pulling the strings with ease against a Stoke midfield that look better on paper than almost any other unit in the division. His pass for Mateusz Klich’s goal was sublime, and he looked to be thriving in a Bielsa system that saw Klich make runs beyond him and Kalvin Phillips drop deep to give him the space to get onto the ball and drive forward.
It was a stunning performance from Leeds and Saiz has threatened to establish himself as the focal point once again. He still probably needs to prove that he can make a game-changing impact when those around him are struggling to make an impression, but if his performance against Stoke is a sign of what is to come, then rejecting those bids earlier in the summer could be one of Andrea Radrizzani’s best decisions since taking over.
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