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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
Leeds United confirmed on Wednesday that midfielder Samu Saiz had completed a permanent move to La Liga side Girona for an undisclosed fee, with manager Marcelo Bielsa ultimately getting his own way.
What’s the word, then?
Football Insider reported earlier on Wednesday that the 28-year-old Spaniard had been trying to secure a move back to his homeland all summer following the expiry of his loan spell with Getafe, but it proved to be a struggle to find a club willing to meet his £6m asking price.
They went on to say that an exit for a cut-price fee was on the cards, and Bielsa should be pleased that it has now all been confirmed.
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The same source said last month that the Argentine had no intention of re-integrating Saiz into the Leeds squad on his return, after he chose to jump ship halfway through the 2018/19 campaign.
Bielsa shows his authority again
The 63-year-old isn’t someone that could be labelled indecisive and he knows what he wants, as proved by his stance on the whole Australian tour. And while he admitted he hadn’t made the direct decision to let the Spaniard leave Elland Road back in December, he clearly feels that it wouldn’t have benefitted the Yorkshire outfit if they had him back now.
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It may be a ruthless call in some ways given the level of performance Saiz has shown previously – five goals and five assists from his opening 18 Championship appearances is proof of that – but there is no point having a homesick player in a team that wants to be promoted next season having fallen short last time out.
Leeds need everyone in positive mood and pulling in the same direction, and in that respect it is clear to see why Bielsa has got his own way.
