According to the reports from La Vanguardia as cited by Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United’s chief playmaker Pablo Hernandez has opened up a door to move to his first club CD Castellon in the future. Hernandez, who is likely to be fit for this weekend’s tie, missed the last few games due to injury.
Hernandez has been a crucial player for the Whites in the attacking third, and his presence has been missed whenever he has been unavailable. The 34-year-old has contributed with two goals and two assists in eight Championship games so far this season.
Hernandez on returning to his first club
Castellon plays in the Spanish third division. Hernandez used to ply his trade for them from 1997-2003 before earning a move to Valencia. The Spanish attacker recently said, “CD Castellón is a unique club and I hope to take the albinegra again very soon and return to Castalia.”
Hernandez’s current contract runs out next summer, and it is yet not clear what the Whites would do with him. The Spaniard usually starts on the right flank, but he often drifts inside to occupy the central areas. Hernandez doesn’t have the pace anymore to run the fullbacks ragged, so he relies on guile and creativity to trouble the opposition.
Bielsa had lavished massive praise on him last season, and the Argentine boss went on to claim (BBC) that he is one of the best players he has coached in his position. That was indeed high praise from a head coach who has managed players like Alexis Sanchez, Dimitri Payet and Maxi Rodriguez in those positions.
Bielsa had also said, ”I think he is the player in our team who has had the biggest influence in our games so far. There is a great lucidity about his play – he always seems to instinctively know what to do for the needs of the team – and he can influence the game at the front, middle and the back.”
What now for Bielsa?
There have been occasions when the Whites have looked listless in the attacking third without Hernandez on the pitch. Tactically, the Spaniard is brilliant as he often gets himself in good positions from the right. However, it cannot be ignored that he is already 34 and is in the final lap of his career.
If the Whites don’t get promoted, then there is a good possibility that Hernandez might want to head back to Spain. If they move to the Premier League, then the winger could be tempted to have a go at one of the toughest divisions in the world at the age of 35. The way he is currently playing, United can look to extend his stay for another year. It remains to be seen where Hernandez’s future lies after the summer of 2020.
