Player explains telephone call convinced him on Leeds United January exit

Samu Saiz leaving Leeds United in the January window came as something of a surprise.

A used member of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, seeing the back of the Spaniard didn’t make a great deal of sense unless a replacement was brought in for the second half of the season.

Whatever could be gained in loan or transfer fee could be lost many times in the money gained from promotion, should a shortage of numbers impact Leeds.

But if he really didn’t want to be at Elland Road, then the balance likely tipped the other way, with Bielsa not wanting anyone in his group who isn’t fully committed to the cause.

Despite the move being sorted out in mid December, Saiz has only been unveiled by Getafe today, officially at least.

During the event he spoke to the media, and Mundo Deportivo quote him talking about contact from Getafe’s José Bordalás ahead of the move: “The call of the coach is important to finish convincing you to come to play here, no one can doubt that the coach is doing great things. The team was about to get into Europe and this year we are fighting for those positions that are very beautiful.”

When asked his reasons for leaving Leeds United midway through the season, the 28 year old explained: “After two years in England, when I had the option of returning to Getafe I really liked the idea. Also seeing was running the team, I didn’t think twice.”