Leeds United were linked to Samu Saiz last summer, and while he could be an ideal acquisition in 2017 it could be too late.
Revie Stand, Elland Road
Leeds United were linked with a surprise move for Atletico Madrid talent Samu Saiz last summer, with newspaper AS reporting they were keen admirers of the forward.
Saiz, 26, is half owned by Atletico and half by Huesca, where he played his football last season.
AS claimed at the time that interest was building in the forward, and Saiz went on to have a terrific 2016/17 season.
Saiz scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, thriving in his role as a deep lying forward.
His performances were hailed by the manager of Real Oviedo earlier this year, who told AS that he was the best player in the Spanish Segunda Liga.
Christian Fernandez told AS: “They have the best player of the division: Samu Sáiz. He is a player with impudence that can only be stopped by preventing him from receiving [the ball]. Outside the area he has a great shot and effectiveness.”
Huesca were beaten in the promotion play-offs by Getafe and his future is back on the agenda, but Leeds could miss out.
La Liga side Eibar are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Saiz, with El Desmarque reporting negotiations are at an advanced stage.
Elland Road
Eibar will pay three million Euros to sign him, with Atletico Madrid receiving 50 per cent of the money for their former youth team talent.
If he moves then it will be a potential golden opportunity missed for Leeds United, considering he is already on their radar, aligned with their new scouting network.
Saiz even began his career at Real Madrid, club of new Leeds director Ivan Bravo, and was prominent in Spain’s second division last season.
He would have been an ideal complement for Chris Wood up front, and even been able to lighten the load and creative dependence on Pablo Hernandez.
Now Estadio Deportivo report Leeds have entered the race and are keen on a deal for the player once again.
Eibar’s deal is not quite done yet, but time is running out for the Whites to sign the best player in Spain’s second tier.
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