Leeds are looking at a new deal for Pablo Hernandez, according to Athletic journalist Phil Hay.
He was conducting a Q&A with Leeds fans on Thursday when one asked, “Which senior players have contracts expiring in 2020/2021? Klich and Hernandez are the two that come to mind, any news on new deals for them?”
Hay said that Klich is next in line for a new deal, after Leeds secured Kalvin Phillips, Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper on new long-term contracts this week.
He also said, “They’re looking at a new deal for Pablo too, although it’s slightly different with him – he’ll be 35 by the end of this season and any offer would have to reflect that, despite the fact that he’s still weaving his magic”.
Tif Tactics – Pablo deserves at least another year
Leeds are moving fast to secure new deals for their key players, starting with Kalvin Phillips.
Hernandez was the standout player last season and he rightly won the Leeds Player of the Year award for the second season in a row.
He’s started out this season in good form too.
In the win against Stoke he had 84 touches, made the most final-third passes (18/23) and created the most chances in the game (five) of any player on the pitch. [LUFCDATA]
He’s already scored two goals and added two assists in the Championship this season and, according to stats site WyScout, he’s put in close to four through balls, 11 passes to the final third and 6.4 passes to the box per 90 minutes – the most of any Leeds player.
If Phillips is the heartbeat of the side, Hernandez is the creator and it’s hard to imagine this Leeds side without him.
However, he is 35 and out of contract at the end of the season. A final contract back in Spain might be tempting but if Leeds get up to the Premier League, Hernandez would surely fancy a season in the top-flight. Leeds should make sure a good offer of at least a one-year extension is on the table.