Three replacements Leeds United should consider to replace Samu Saiz
According to a report from Marca, Getafe are closing in on Leeds United playmaker Samu Saiz. Leeds have won their last five games in a row and sit at the top of the Championship table. While the likes of Pablo Hernandez and Kemar Roofe have continued to step up, Samu Saiz has struggled to make an impact.
The 27-year-old has been forced to play a reduced role under Marcelo Bielsa since September despite featuring in all of Leeds’ Championship matches. The Spanish midfielder has only completed the full 90 minutes just once since the end of September. In fact, he has played a sporadic role over the past couple of weeks, with just one start in the previous seven fixtures.
Should Saiz leave Elland Road next month, here are three replacements Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa should consider.
Jota (Birmingham City)
Leeds can take a look at Birmingham City star Jota as a potential replacement for Samu Saiz.
Jota, 27, has a goal and five assists in 17 games for Birmingham City this season. He is a fleet-footed, creative player, blessed with a good technique and an eye for the goal. The Spaniard is known for his ability to carve open opposition defences with his incisive passing and vision.
Surely, Jota has all the attributes to perfectly fit into Bielsa’s high-octane, free-flow attacking style of football at Elland Road.
Kieran Dowell (Everton)
Kieran Dowell has had a severe lack of opportunities at Everton this season and might be ready to leave the club in January if the situation doesn’t change.
The 21-year-old impressed on loan at Nottingham Forest last season but so far, he hasn’t been able to break into the Everton starting XI. So a move away from Goodison Park in January would be justified for Dowell.
Leeds could consider Dowell to replace Saiz, given the 21-year-old has good Championship experience and would offer creativity and freshness to Bielsa’s attack. He could be the ideal player to chip in with the assists and important goals for the Whites.
Marcus Maddison (Peterborough United)
Marcus Maddison may have had a slow start to the League One season but he has finally arrived for Peterborough United, providing 7 assists and scoring 2 goals in his last 7 appearances.
He could be an exciting addition to the Whites attack, as they go for promotion in the Championship. Maddison, who can play on either wing and in a central role, is considered as one of the finest talents in the League One and appears to be ready to make the step up to the Championship.
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With Maddison in the team, Leeds could become more potent going forward.