Trusted reporter reveals real reasons why Pablo Hernandez will leave Leeds

Pablo Hernandez Leeds United

Pablo Hernandez will move on from Leeds United in the upcoming summer transfer window after seeing his importance nosedive this season, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay.

Hernandez moved to Elland Road back in 2017 and became a hugely influential member of the side. He made 151 Championship appearances for the Whites, eventually helping them secure promotion in 2020. He played in 36 of 46 league games as Leeds finished first to book their place in the top flight, both scoring and assisting nine goals. That included an important 89th minute winner at Swansea in the final weeks of the campaign.

His contributions made him a firm favourite amongst Whites fans. They see him as a man who helped put the club back on the right track after years in the wilderness.

But he has seen his game time significantly drop this term, featuring in just 13 Premier League matches so far. 11 of those have been as a substitute, meaning he has had just over 300 minutes of action.

That is partly down to the arrival of Raphinha, who has impressed in first year in England. Although, he also struggled with injuries between September and December.

And despite Leeds sitting comfortably in mid-table, his game time is not expected to change. Therefore, his time in West Yorkshire could be about to come to an end.

Leeds exit would ‘make sense’

That is according to Hay, who believes a number of factors will see Leeds and Hernandez go their separate ways in the coming months.

Pablo Hernandez, Gjanni Alioski Leeds United

 

“My gut feeling is also that Hernandez will go,” he said in his weekly Leeds United mailbag (via GiveMeSport).

“I’ve written about Castellon and I know a few people out there. Part of the reason they looked at signing Hernandez in January was that they thought they could get him and believed he wanted to go (despite Leeds insisting on keeping him for now).

“Given his age and how little he’s playing under Marcelo Bielsa, a parting of ways might make sense when this season ends.”

A switch to Castellon, where Hernandez is a part owner, seems most likely for the Spaniard. Their interest in the previous window was disregarded by Leeds, but they could try again.

Huddersfield, Brentford and ex-team Swansea were also been tipped as potential suitors. But, it is unclear whether they still hold hopes of signing the veteran.

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