Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay has said in his latest column on Wednesday that while Leeds United offering the 32-year-old Pablo Hernandez, rated at £1.8m by Transfermarkt, a new contract would perhaps go against their transfer philosophy, they aren’t currently in a position where they can afford to lose him.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Hernandez’s contract with the Yorkshire outfit is due to run out at the end of the season and there has been no progress in negotiations between the club and the player’s agent about extending the attacker’s stay at Elland Road beyond the summer.
The Spaniard has become a key player in the final third for the Whites since he joined them from Swansea City, although he has struggled in tough away games like the ones at Millwall and Cardiff City because of his lack of strength.
Hay says in his Yorkshire Evening Post column that the former Valencia player would only be dispensable this summer if the club wins promotion to the Premier League, or if they fail to add to make major additions to their squad and he will still be needed to play a vital role for them in the Championship next term.
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How has Hernandez done this season?
The 32-year-old, who celebrates his 33rd birthday next month, has once again been a regular for Leeds and he has made 31 Championship appearances, scoring four goals and providing a further seven assists.
Samu Saiz has come in and taken some of the creative pressure off of the Spaniard’s shoulders that was apparent last term.
Is Hay right with what he has said?
He probably is, yes.
If Leeds do go up – which still looks improbable despite their 1-0 win against Brentford last weekend – they will probably be happy to let Hernandez go, but if they stay in the Championship and fail to add to their attacking options then they will need the 32-year-old next season, and will need to tie him down to a new deal.
