‘I really wanted’: 24-year-old now shares why he was so desperate to leave Leeds this summer

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Luis Sinisterra has explained that he was so desperate to leave Leeds United in the summer because he wanted Premier League football.

Sinisterra made the season-long-loan switch to Bournemouth on deadline day and spoke publicly to BBC Sport for the first time since his move.

It had looked as though Leeds had done enough to keep the 24-year-old until the final hours of deadline day when Bournemouth swooped in to sign him.

He had been a player Leeds were looking to retain until their stance began to change in the final week of the window as he threatened to force legal action if he wasn’t allowed to leave, as per Phil Hay.

Angus Kinnear has since spoken on Sinisterra’s desire to move on in the summer, stating that his behaviour would mean he is ‘not on the club’s Christmas card list’.

Sinisterra explains desperation for Leeds exit

Sinisterra has now given his verdict on the summer’s events, stating that he was always looking for a route back into the Premier League irrespective of Leeds’ desire to keep him.

He said: “I had other options, but they were outside of England. It was really difficult with Leeds United, from the beginning, because they wanted me to stay. But of course I wanted to play in the Premier League. So, when Bournemouth came I just decided [to go] because I really wanted to play at the highest level possible. So that’s why [I left].

Avoiding the relegation, I have had a really good time there, and my family as well. But, you know, my desire is always to play at the highest level. So I was looking for that. This was my decision. That’s why last year I chose to come to Leeds – to play in the Premier League. Of course it’s sad that we got relegated, but it’s a really good team with really good people.”

Sinisterra’s deal to join Bournemouth only includes an option-to-buy if Leeds are not promoted, which is smart business.

Leeds would get a decent injection of cash through his sale which would be important for profit and sustainability rules in the Championship, but if they do go up, they could either sell him for more, or keep a player who is clearly already Premier League level.

Whether Leeds fans would be receptive of Sinisterra or any of the other loan players returning is another question.