Leeds United’s failure to replace Samu Saiz could cost them promotion

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United were beaten 1-0 by Queens Park Rangers in the Championship last night, with the Whites missing the chance to go top.

The race for automatic promotion is really hotting up and Leeds have stuttered of late.

After struggling to despatch struggling Bolton on Saturday, this was supposed to be the night when they flexed their promotion credentials.

A Luke Freeman goal shortly after half-time ensured that it wasn’t to be.

The Whites are still in the picture to challenge for a top-two finish but they are making life difficult for themselves.

One decision they could be ruing just now is the decision to let Samu Saiz depart on loan in January.

The Spaniard returned to Spain to link-up with Getafe on a temporary basis and he hasn’t been replaced.

During the first half of the campaign, Saiz contributed four assists to Leeds’ cause and looked lively whenever called upon.

The winger seemed to give Leeds an outlet that they are quite simply lacking now he isn’t there.

Saiz looked perfect for Championship football and was a real handful for opposing full-backs.

His versatility was ideal when the Whites were chasing a game and his absence is now being felt.

One of Leeds’ promotion rivals, West Brom, lost Harvey Barnes who returned to Leicester. They went out and replaced him with the impressive Jacob Murphy who has looked solid for the Baggies.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa should have gone in search of a similar deal to replace Saiz.

It remains to be seen just how costly this transfer window catastrophe will prove to be for the Whites.