'Absolute genius', 'Broke my heart' - These Leeds fans gush over former 'star' sold in '19
Samu Saiz is a player who never lived up to his potential in his Leeds United spell, but he still left behind a strong legacy at Elland Road.
The midfielder was sold for around £2.5million in 2019 after falling out of favour under Marcelo Bielsa, joining La Liga 2 side Girona.
Since then his career has stalled and he seems destined never to hit the heights again that he did at Leeds.
He made an immediate impact when he arrived, and excited fans under Thomas Christiansen, with the Whites opening the 2017/18 campaign by going seven matches unbeaten.
The 30-year-old ended that campaign with 13 goal contributions in 34 league games, but he was unable to replicate that form under Marcelo Bielsa.
That was arguably due to an inability to meet the Argentine’s high standards, and a few supporters have noted that his attitude let him down.
In 2018/19 Saiz started 15 league games before finding himself out of favour in December of that season, and a loan departure followed a month later.
That signalled the end of his time as a Whites player, and his permanent move the following summer has left some fans pondering what might have been.
Many are disappointed in how his time at Leeds came to an end, with a number of superlatives being made about the attacking midfielder.
Here is some of the discussion that has taken place about Saiz amongst the fanbase.
Imagine him under bielsa now 😍
— Nathan Birch (@NathanB30426880) January 22, 2021
@Bennnnnnn1991 miss him me
— Ubaid (@u_ahmed11) January 22, 2021
What a star he could have been
— Luke 🏆 (@griceluke) January 22, 2021
What a player! I miss him! One of the best we’ve had down there
— gary thomas (@lufcgazza1919) January 22, 2021
Technically a class little player, could of had the number 10 role for years.
Shame it ended the way it did— 💛Marcelo 🤍El Loco🤍 Bielsa💙 🏆🥇 (@MarceloElLocoB2) January 22, 2021
Would loved to have seen him playing in that promotion team and in the prem . Something about him
— jonnyrico (@jonnyricolufc) January 22, 2021
Kind of broke my heart this bloke. On his day he was as good as i’ve seen a footballer. Loved him. Could have had it all could sweet prince
— Joe Webster (@joewebs) January 22, 2021
Despite the way it ended and the highs we've had since he left, this guy just had something I've not seen before or since. A few times I felt I'd got my money's worth from his performance alone. Broke my heart when he left
— Alex Smith (@AlexSmith3103) January 22, 2021
A waste of a talent, dont think the desire is there
— lufcmat (@Mathew1982) January 22, 2021
One of the biggest regrets not seeing him fully in a Bielsa team, would’ve been special https://t.co/akE51enPIS
— Ben (@BenjiDixon17) January 22, 2021
Absolute genius this lad🤩 #LUFC https://t.co/dbdcrsAqRk
— LUFC Connor🏴 (@ConnorMOT92) January 22, 2021
Little magician he was https://t.co/ZPckoFzUv1
— dom hall (@hall_dom) January 22, 2021
In other Leeds United news, the club has made a big decision in regard to one transfer target.