Leeds United ace Samu Saiz is reportedly close to joining La Liga side Getafe in January, and Lewis Baker must take advantage.
Saiz, 27, is said to be homesick in England after moving to Yorkshire from Spanish side Huesca in the summer of 2017. Getafe are keen, and even manager Jose Bordalas has stated that they are interested.
If Saiz does leave, Marcelo Bielsa will be left with a big gap in the middle of the park. Lewis Baker could see the opportunity as a chance to finally show why he was brought to Elland Road.
The Chelsea loanee has managed just one Championship start for the Whites this season. Indeed, he has been more of a regular in Carlos Corberan’s Under-23 side.
On Tuesday, the Baker scored one of the Under-23’s six goals as Leeds second string smashed Burnley 6-3. Patrick Bamford got a hat-trick, while Jack Clarke and Izzy Brown got on the score sheet.
Saiz has been in an out of the side, rivalling Baker, Matuesz Klich and Adam Forshaw for a place. Reducing that competition will only help Baker.
The former England Under-21 captain’s performance earlier this week shows he is capable of helping Leeds. Continuing that form with the reserves could tempt Bielsa to give him a chance, in place of Saiz.
Giving Baker the confidence to impress in place of Saiz could be the key to promotion.