Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has revealed that he wanted Lewis Baker to stay at the club and even told him he would like him at Elland Road next year, but understands why the midfielder wants to return to Chelsea.
Baker is set to end his loan spell at Elland Road and return to Stamford Bridge, but might move on another loan spell with Reading said to be interested in the 23-year old.
The midfielder struggled to feature regularly for Leeds this season, and started in just two games in the Championship this season.
Bielsa lauded Baker for his performance in Leeds’ third-round FA Cup defeat against QPR last weekend and has admitted that the on loan midfielder expected more playing time.
“I have the same information as you. It’s not official yet, but it’s something true”, Bielsa told a press conference ahead of Leeds' clash against Derby County.
“It was something in the contract. Obviously Chelsea and Baker chose to use this article to go back.
“He was always inside the group, even if he didn't play a lot. Maybe he felt that we didn't value him at the right level.
“The only time I talked to him about it, not only did I tell him I wanted him to stay for the next six months but even next year.
"He had legitimate expectations to play more.
“The last game he played in the FA Cup, for me he has a positive performance and, for me, this was a starting point for his development inside the team, but I can understand he took a different decision.”
Baker’s departure, coupled with Samu Saiz’s exit, leaves Leeds short in resources in midfield and increases the pressure on the Whites to enter the transfer market this month.
