Leeds United have had to sell or loan out several players in recent years because of financial constraints or the need to reshape their squad after relegation or promotion.
Several players have done well after leaving Leeds, while a few careers have stalled, and it is safe to suggest that some of their peaks coincided with their time at Elland Road.
Raphinha has gone from strength to strength since leaving Leed and is now Barcelona captain, but Kalvin Phillips is still trying to recover from a disastrous move to Manchester City.
Leeds seemed to make another smart decision on a winger they sold a few years back, as it is almost certain his best days are now behind him after a flurry of injuries.
Read More: Leeds risk losing two key stars for nothing as 49ers face transfer dilemma
Former Leeds star suffers eighth injury in two years
Leeds signed Luis Sinisterra from Dutch giants Feyenoord in 2022, and the winger was part of the squad that suffered relegation in his only season at Elland Road.
The winger quickly triggered a loan option in his contract to join Bournemouth a year later, before the move was made permanent for £20m.
It has proven a sound financial choice for Leeds, as the Colombian’s career has been marred by injuries since he left Elland Road.
Sinisterra is currently at Brazilian club Cruzeiro after initially leaving Bournemouth on loan before the move was made permanent.
The winger is recovering from a hamstring injury, a recurring theme for him over the last couple of years.
Sinisterra has suffered eight different injuries since 2024 and has missed 75 games for Bournemouth and Cruzeiro combined.
The recurring hamstring injuries have been the biggest issue, and for a winger who depends on pace, that is a killer blow to his career.
Read More: £25m Leeds star must be axed in January as Daniel Farke makes ruthless transfer call
Leeds may have to take a call on another injury-prone player soon
Sinisterra’s career over the last two years is a red herring for Leeds when it comes to Dan James’s future at Elland Road.
The Welshman has had injury problems over the last season or so, and the club’s decision to offer him a new deal last year is proving to be a poor one.
The injuries have clearly impacted James, as he no longer has that blistering pace that allowed him to get away from defenders, and that is a problem.
James is not a starting eleven player, but he is also not making much of an impact from the bench. Leeds may have to find a way to offload him; if not in January, then definitely next summer.
