Raphinha’s replacement is already in the building at Leeds United. Luis Sinisterra arrived last week in anticipation of his Brazilian predecessor’s exit.
The Colombia international is now in Australia with the rest of the squad preparing for the new campaign. Very little was known about Sinisterra before he signed from Feyenoord.
LeedsLive spoke to Michael Statham, an Eredivisie writer with Dutch Football website Football Oranje, for some insight into what Leeds were buying.
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What sort of player is Sinisterra? What position does he play and what would Leeds be getting?
Sinisterra is a tricky, pacy, right-footed left-winger. He is very dangerous on the counter-attack in particular, but he has had lots of experience this season playing against deep-lying Eredivisie defences, trying to break them open with his quick feet out wide.
Sinisterra is as equally adept at putting in low crosses from out wide as he is being a threat on the far post if a cross comes in from the opposite side.
What impact has he had in Eredivisie with Feyenoord? The stats would suggest 21/22 was a major breakthrough for him.
Sinisterra suffered a long-term injury not long after he joined Feyenoord, so it was great to see him break through properly once he was fit again. He became much more productive with his goal threat last season.
Given Eredivisie is not considered one of the big five leagues, what impact would you expect him to make in the Premier League?
I'm surprised Sinisterra is leaving Feyenoord already, but his impact in the [UEFA Europa] Conference League impressed plenty of suitors. My view is Leeds are picking up an excellent player.
They were also in for Cody Gakpo, who is another brilliant player for a mid-to-lower mid-table Premier League club, but Sinisterra will offer an excellent threat on the counter. He’s a very useful weapon in the Premier League.
Was there an expectation he would move on from Feyenoord this summer? Does £21m sound good value or too expensive?
If Sinisterra had been playing for Ajax, you could argue his price would have doubled. Sinisterra has made an excellent return in the Eredivisie and the Conference League, making him a great purchase for the price paid.
I expect him to be a starter at Leeds and someone particularly useful in the bigger games where the counter-attack is useful and Leeds can use the wide areas.
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