Report: Some close to Samuel Saiz expected he’d want Leeds summer exit

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Samuel Saiz’s talent has never been doubted during his time at Leeds United, but his Elland Road spell has not always lived up to expectations.

According to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post, there were some close to Samuel Saiz who expected the Spanish playmaker to want a move away from Leeds in the summer before Marcelo Bielsa arrived.

Leeds spent £3 million on Saiz during Andrea Radrizzani’s first summer at the helm (via Yorkshire Evening Post), and the Elland Road faithful were treated to both the magic and madness of a player who has to be considered amongst the most talented in the Championship.

On his day, Saiz is a wizard who could make an impact for almost any Premier League side. But he did not avoid controversy, and it has now been more than a year since he scored in the league.

He was significantly less influential during the second-half of last season after a sensational start. And the Yorkshire Evening Post has hinted that he may have been planning to make his stay at Leeds a brief one.

The report suggests that those close to Saiz were anticipating that he would look to leave Leeds during the summer had it not been for the Whites appointing Bielsa as Paul Heckingbottom’s successor.

Unfortunately for Saiz, he has not quite managed to recapture his best form. There have undoubtedly been glimpses of his brilliance, but more recently, he has struggled to hold down a spot in the team.

It is unquestionably a sign of how far Leeds have come under Bielsa that they have been able to use Saiz in a more peripheral role. And it is definitely an encouraging prospect for the Whites that they still have the enganche to unleash when a change is required.

And Leeds may still be waiting to see the best of Saiz again this season, but it should surprise no-one if there comes several points this season where the Whites will be left delighted that he went nowhere in the summer when some thought he may go.