Leeds United had reportedly shown interest in signing Romaine Sawyers in July 2019, leaving some fans wondering what might have been.
The West Bromwich Albion man has played well in the Championship, however, he’s yet to make a big statement having only scored once and assisted once in 15 league game so far this season. The 28-year-old also has a rather standard WhoScored average rating of just 6.72/10.
However, one very impressive stat is his pass success percentage of 92%, which is the highest in the whole West Brom squad.
Have huge player envy for Romaine Sawyers. Would have been an unbelievable signing for Leeds. Been instrumental for West Brom so far, and will be in the running for Championship player of the year at this rate. https://t.co/0BAk1O5CeS
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) November 4, 2019
The one (of several ones) that got away. I can only hope for a non-serious, persistent injury that completely ruins his season.
— Reginald Glovebox (@RGlovebox) November 5, 2019
Not even 3 million bob. One more midfielder in the mix for us would make such a difference, especially a controlling 8 like him so when there’s no Forshaw, you’re still set.
— ETHAN (@EthanFromOnline) November 4, 2019
Hopefully Roberts can kick on a continue to show we didn’t need to sign him.
— Adam Hulbert (@AdamHulbert) November 5, 2019
Defensively Sawyers is no match for Kalvin Phillips, with the 23-year-old having on average more tackles, interceptions, clearances, dribbles and blocks, according to data collected by WhoScored.
Leeds were in for him supposedly , imagine him and Forshaw running the midfield
— James Howson (@BigJimmy_V) November 5, 2019
I’ve never understood why we didn’t go for a straight swap with Pontus. That would have been a very fair deal for both clubs.
— Austin (@AustinLDN86) November 5, 2019
Shoulda woulda coulda
— Dom (@dommer14) November 5, 2019
What Do We Think?
When the 28-year-old is compared with Phillips you would wonder why Leeds would want him? Maybe to play him over Mateusz Klich would be the only viable option, however, even Klich has a higher WhoScored average rating than Sawyers, with the Polish midfielder averaging 6.87/10 in the Championship.
You can’t always judge players on stats, but when you compare the West Brom midfielder to the players Leeds already have, you can’t really make a case for him being signed.