OPINION
With finances thought to be the stumbling block in Leeds United’s pursuit of Hull City striker Abel Hernandez, following the news on Friday that 49ers Enterprises had become a minority shareholder, the deal should now be inching close.
Leeds confirmed that with the arrival of 49ers Enterprises president, Paraag Marathe on the board at Elland Road, they will be investing in the first-team and aiming to improve results on the pitch.
According to Leeds-Live, the Whites are in the hunt to sign the in-demand 28-year-old as the Uruguayan’s contract is due up at the end of the season.
The goal machine scored eight goals in 10 appearances this season for Hull despite suffering a serious Achilles injury that kept him sidelined for most of the campaign.
This does not bode well for United’s attackers, who have not convinced this season and will likely find themselves shunned from the team upon Hernandez’ arrival.
The recently departed Pierre-Michel Lasogga was criticised by fans for lacking fitness, while Kemar Roofe and Caleb Ekuban failed to escape the wrath of supporters as well.
This means that Hernandez will likely move straight into the starting XI, something he could not be guaranteed at Wolves, Celtic or Newcastle United who are all being linked with the hitman.
News of the deal struck between Leeds and the 49ers will almost certainly, at least financially, makes Leeds one of the front-runners in the hunt for the player’s signature.
Hernandez would be a perfect foil for the likes of Pablo Hernandez and Samu Saiz in the centre of the park, and now Victor Orta has the tools he needs to make this a reality, the Spaniard must do everything to get this deal over the line.