Thomas Christiansen has hilariously claimed that Leeds United talisman Samu Saiz would cost more than Barcelona great Lionel Messi if he was to be sold in the transfer market.
However, the manager has reassured supporters that the 26-year-old is certainly not for sale in the January window.
The Spaniard has made a colossal impact at Elland Road since his £3million move from Huesca, which now appears to be a real bargain.
He has adapted perfectly to English football and the attacking midfielder already has nine goals plus five assists this season.
“[Saiz] is not for sale & would cost more than Messi,” Christiansen said, as quoted by BBC journalist Adam Pope on his personal Twitter account.
TC with a wry smile says Saiz “is not for sale & would cost more than Messi.” #lufc
— Adam Pope (@apopey) January 1, 2018
Saiz looked the most threatening on Monday as Leeds slipped to a goalless draw at home to Nottingham Forest in the Championship.
The creative maestro managed to feed Kemar Roofe in the second-half after a brilliant run, but his teammate saw an effort fly off the crossbar.
It leaves them occupying the final play-off position in the table, but they are just a point ahead of Sheffield United in seventh.
OPINION
Leeds fans will be delighted to hear the manager confirms Saiz’s immediate future is in Yorkshire as it would be no surprise to see a top-flight club swoop for him given his current form. The attacking midfielder has such intelligent movement and a low centre of gravity, something that makes him a nightmare for defender to play against. He looks a real steal for just £3million given the current state of the market and he could go for a hefty eight-figure fee in the future if he ever was to leave Elland Road. Saiz has been Leeds’ best player of the season so far and he will need to keep his form up if the team are to stay in the promotion picture. They are in a very similar position to last season and they must avoid another dip which saw them drop out of the top six.