The unexpected loan departure of Leeds United’s Samu Saiz in the January transfer window back to Spain and Getafe did split some in the Elland Road faithful.
Some simply thought he’d bottled it and got homesick, whereas others were more understanding given the personal predicament he found himself struggling with. Saiz and his significant other have remained positive and respectful about the club in their social media messages as previously covered, but with the spell not going great for him on a playing front, it seems the 28-year-old could end up back with us next summer.
The loan deal had no upfront fee it seemed and the buy clause was not of an obligated nature and with him only making four starts and four substitute showings, it seems unlikely they would kick in what many have reported to be a £6million transfer fee and make the deal permanent.
Former player and now pundit Noel Whelan told Football Insider recently that we should do all we can to move him on and not reopen the door to him next season.
“I wouldn’t be going back to a player with such a fragile character and temperament. He has chosen to be in Spain and wanted to be back there for family reasons, good luck to him. We are hopefully going into the Premier League next season and we have done it without him. I wouldn’t have him at my club. I would have got rid of him after the spitting incident.”
Some might think that’s a harsh summation given his choice of words, but I can imagine there will be plenty who agree.