Pablo Hernandez signs new two-year deal

Well, this is good news.

Leeds United’s Pablo Hernandez has (finally) signed a new contract to stay at Elland Road, and the good news couldn’t come at a better time. Leeds are sleep-walking through the final two games of the season against Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers. Additionally, the club stepped on another PR rake of its own making, as the club is deservedly getting a lot of heat for their inexplicable decision to do a post-season tour in Myanmar.

Leeds announced that Hernandez has signed a contract extension earlier today, with the club’s official website saying:

Leeds United are pleased to announce that Pablo Hernandez has signed a new contract to remain at the club.

The Spaniard has put pen to paper on a new two-year-deal to stay at Elland Road, which runs until the summer of 2020.

Hernandez has been one of the side’s standout performers this season, making 42 appearances and finding the net nine times.

He has also captained the Whites on numerous occasions throughout the campaign and led by example on and off the pitch.

His deal was due to expire this summer, but the club have moved to secure his services for the foreseeable future and are delighted Pablo has agreed to see out his career at Elland Road.

Rumours had been flying since Garry Monk took over at Birmingham City that Hernandez would rejoin the manager who brought him to Elland Road in the first place, but those rumours appeared to be all smoke, as Hernandez said he turned down offers from Spain to stay at Leeds.

Speaking today at the pre-Norwich press conference, Hernandez said,

I am very happy,

I always said my intention was to stay here at Leeds United. I had some options but I always said I was happy here. I feel this is a special club, it’s a big club in England with a lot of history.

“Sometimes in football for the players this feeling is very important. I want to play for this challenge and for me that is to get back to the Premier League.

I had opportunities in Spain but this is a special club and I want to achieve something here. In the next two years I think we can. I have a great feeling with the fans. Elland Road is a special place. They told me I was an important player and an example for the youngsters. That’s a role I like.

So it looks like Hernandez is sticking around at Leeds for at least the foreseeable future. After a season with a lot of question marks, finally some good news for Leeds fans.