Leeds United were battling Leicester City to sign Samu Saiz in 2016 – for seven times cheaper than they signed him this summer.
After all, the former Huesca forward has spent the vast majority of his nomadic career in the Spanish lower leagues and, although a number of La Liga clubs expressed an interest, better and more experienced players have failed to adapt to the rigours of the English game.
Though it’s largely that hefty transfer fee that makes the signing of Saiz look like risky business. Especially when you consider that Leeds were interested in signing the 26-year-old last summer when he was available for far cheaper.
According to AS Diario, Leeds were challenging then-Premier League champions Leicester City for the one-time Atletico Madrid B team player. A buyout clause of just £420,000 meant that, even if he did not make the grade, it would not have too much of an impact on the club’s coffers.
However, the statistics suggest that Leeds could perhaps benefit from signing Saiz 12 months after making their interest known. Because the playmaker netted just three goals and set up another two in the Spanish second tier during the 2015/16 season.
Yet, he enjoyed a far more positive campaign last time around, scoring 12 and creating eight. Statistically, 2016/17 was the most potent season of Saiz’s career so far.
Therefore, although Leeds had to pay far more than they would have a year ago, seven times more to be exact, an excellent 2016/17 season means Saiz now looks far more likely to be a success at Elland Road.
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