It was an exciting time when Leeds United announced that they were signing Spanish attacking midfielder Samu Saiz from La Segunda side SD Huesca.
When Leeds United fans heard that the club were in for a Samu Saiz, the almost uniform response was ‘Samu Who?’ Those questions were answered pretty quickly when Whites fans saw the diminutive Spaniard kick into gear. There was a majesty about his play, arrogant at times but bristling with majesty all the same all the same.
He had a low centre of gravity, one that proved difficult for defenders to knock him off the ball. He often glided by them, not the fastest of players but with a turn of pace that took him clear.
He sparkled at times, his general all-round play meaning that he was a thorn in the side of many opponents. Yet, amidst all this sunshine play, there were definite darkening clouds brimming.
Family issues, and an inability to fully settle in England, led to changes in his football circumstances. Not settled in/at Leeds, Saiz was allowed to return to Spain on a half-season loan deal with Getafe. The Spaniards also had the option to turn that loan into a permanent deal should they wish to in the summer.
That wish looks ever more likely a wish unfulfilled, with Getafe not really looking to give Saiz sufficient game time. Since a 16-minute debut against Barcelona, Saiz has only featured in six La Liga games for Getafe, six games representing just 228 minutes of action.
His loan to Getafe came with the aforementioned purchase option, an option some sources set at a value of €6.5m. With such sparse game time accrued, it looks highly unlikely that Loz Azulones are going to be taking up that option and keeping Saiz in Spain.
Spanish source El GOL Digital (EGD) say that Saiz will not be staying with Getafe, although they do say it is his intention “to continue next season in the Spanish league.” In a way, that is the one direction that he is likely to take.
Granted it won’t be at Getafe, that much seems as clear as clear can be in somewhat murky waters. However EDG say that Saiz could land himself another side in Valencia. EDG say that they “will not hesitate and begin to negotiate his signing with Leeds.”
The gist of their article is that Saiz will replace Russian Denis Cheryshev, who will return to Villareal after the expiration of his current loan.
