On Monday, we explained that Alfonso Pedraza returning to Leeds United on loan is a distinct possibility. The Yorkshire and wider English media have since taken a similar line, but it’s worth going over the reasons we set out.
Pedraza would find it hard to force his way into Villarreal’s starting line-up. Roberto Soriano has arguably been Villarreal’s best player this season, with the 26 year old scoring 10 goals and adding 6 assists from the left wing.
El Periodico Mediterraneo reported on Monday that Pedraza was waiting to learn his fate for next season, with another loan a distinct possibility, making a Leeds United return sound plausible. Add to that Villarreal’s potential hopes of getting another high buying clause from Leeds, likely to be based on promotion again, and the pieces fit.
One danger to a potential deal is Pedraza’s stock falling in Spain generally. The 21 year old’s 1 goal in the second half of the season for Leeds has seen him omitted from the latest Spain U21 squad, report Marca. That’s despite the manager, Albert Celades, picking Pedraza for the squad several times before.
If Pedraza believes it’s too difficult to impress enough in the Championship, then he may prefer a loan within Spain again, to match his brilliant spell with Lugo. However, it’s unlikely any Spanish side would consider a €10m buying clause.
