Leeds should consider keeping Samu Saiz options open after bid reports

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Leeds United have reportedly rejected two bids for Samuel Saiz, with Marcelo Bielsa determined to keep the playmaker.

According to a report from Fichajes, Leeds have rejected bids for Samuel Saiz from Getafe and Valencia with Marcelo Bielsa determined to keep the playmaker at Elland Road for the coming campaign.

One of the offers was worth £8 million, according to Fichajes. At this stage, it remains to be seen whether any interested side makes another move for the 27-year-old, but the Leeds hierarchy should consider discussing amongst themselves what price they would be willing to sanction a sale for.

There is no player in the Leeds squad who boasts the same natural ability as Saiz. On his day, he can make the very best defenders in the Championship look amateur with his trickery and sublime vision. He can also prove to be lethal in front of goal.

However, he goes into his second season in Yorkshire with a point to prove. His form tailed off dramatically after he received a lengthy ban in the wake of Leeds’ FA Cup defeat to Newport County in January and his most recent goal for the Whites came back in November.

It is too soon to draw conclusions ahead of this campaign, but Saiz has struggled to make a real impact in either of his two pre-season appearances, and his occasional inability to keep his temperament under control has to be a real concern for Bielsa – though it is perhaps also one of the reasons why he is so influential when he does keep himself from crossing the line.

Selling Saiz with the squad as it is right now makes little sense unless an astronomical offer comes in. Without him, Leeds do not carry the same threat, so it would have to only be after a significant spending spree that a possible sale was considered.

But that does not mean that Leeds should shut the door on the idea of selling Saiz altogether. If an eye-watering bid comes in – some of his critics would argue that the £8 million apparently already put on the table would be enough in their eyes – and Leeds have significantly strengthened their squad, then perhaps selling Saiz could actually prove beneficial.

His inconsistency, occasional outbursts and underwhelming start to pre-season need to be weighed up against his flashes of sheer brilliance that could quite easily spearhead a promotion charge next season if Bielsa gets the best out of him.