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The Samuel Saiz transfer saga seems to be taking forever. Of course, anything that gets almost daily coverage in the summer transfer window is going to seem like it’s taking forever, with all of the coverage that is out there about football. Leeds United has been successful so far in most of their rumored endeavors, with the deal for Mateusz Klich and goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald both going through. Of course, the most important deal of the offseason was the buyback of Elland Road, so fans have been a little spoiled with most of the rumors actually coming true.
Saiz had been rumored to be set for a medical this week, but since the player is reportedly in Miami on holiday, the move appears to be delayed or in a holding pattern. While rumors of the fee already being agreed upon, it was curious to see that the deal hadn’t actually gone through.
Samuel Saiz - bit of a saga this one. Not back from holiday in Miami until Sunday. Still waiting to see if the move to #lufc will go ahead.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) July 5, 2017
Sport Witness provided some clarity to the rumors today, as they report that Spanish television station Aragón TV reported that Venezuela international Alexander Gonzalez might also be going with Saiz to Leeds as part of a deal with the Yorkshire club. The television station said that “Mérida is the one chosen to replace Samu [at the club]. Alexander is also leaving” and that Alexander would be going to England with Saiz, leading to speculation that Gonzalez is also part of the transfer deal to send Saiz to Leeds United.
Alexander Gonzalez has made 43 appearances for the Venezuela national team, scoring one goal, and the 24 year-old joined Huesca from Swiss clubs BSC Young Boys in January of 2016. Before coming to Europe, Gonzalez played for Venezuelan side Caracas in the Primera División, where he helped the team win a League and Cup double in 2009-10. The midfielder also scored four goals for promotion-chasing Huesca this past season.
An addition to the original deal might be the reason that the transfer hasn’t occurred yet, and with an influx of Spanish scouts at the club, more players who ply their trade in Spain will likely be linked. So will this mean a bigger Spanish influence at Elland Road? If it means promotion, most fans won’t mind at all.