Luis Sinisterra will return to Leeds United next season should the Yorkshire side return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, according to Yorkshire Post journalist Graham Smyth.
The 24-year-old joined Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth yesterday on a season-long loan with an option to buy, with Jaidon Anthony coming in the opposite direction.
It was a major blow for Daniel Farke’s team, who had been hoping to keep hold of the Colombian international. However, Bournemouth’s interest emerged yesterday afternoon, whilst fellow top flight club Brentford also considered making a swoop. The deal gathered pace quickly, with Sinisterra eventually making the switch to the Vitality Stadium.
The winger had featured four times for the Championship club this season, with half of those appearances coming in the league. He was on the scoresheet for their maiden win of the campaign last weekend against Ipswich Town, helping the Whites emerge from Portman Road with a 4-3 victory.
His departure has been softened by the arrival of Anthony, who had previously featured in all three of Bournemouth’s Premier League fixtures this season. The 23-year-old’s loan at Elland Road does not include an option to buy and he will return to the south coast next summer. The Cherries’ have included the clause in their deal for Sinisterra however, which could see them pay upwards of £20 million to secure the winger’s services on a permanent basis.
According to the Yorkshire Post, this will only kick in should Leeds fail to gain promotion this season. Should they do, the former Feyenoord man will return to the club at the end of this season.
Leeds are already playing catch up after picking up two points from their opening three games, but they will be hoping for a second successive win this afternoon when they host rock-bottom Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road.
Writer’s View
Leeds would have been reluctant to let Sinisterra depart yesterday, but the deal is a smart one. Daniel Farke has his sights set firmly on promotion this season and should he achieve that, the player will return to the club with another season of Premier League experience under his belt. On the flip side, failure means that they will recoup the fee they paid Feyenoord for his services last July and will give them an advantage in next summer’s transfer window.
Jaidon Anthony is also a player which could thrive in the Championship and looks a suitable replacement. They will be buoyed by the fact that Willy Gnonto has remained at the club and it could be an interesting battle alongside fellow relegated teams Leicester City and Southampton at the top of the table.
He will return should his contract require him to do so.