List Articles

2 senior Leeds United players that simply must be pushing for a summer exit

|
Image for 2 senior Leeds United players that simply must be pushing for a summer exit

Leeds United might be looking towards incoming transfers this summer, but a handful of players will be out of the exit door this summer too.

The Whites have taken to the Premier League brilliantly, and the vast majority of the squad has risen to the challenge.

Not many expected the likes of Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and the rest to play as well as they are right now, but a top-half finish looks very likely now.

With this rise to the top half of the Premier League comes some players who might not be making the grade.

Here, we explore two senior players who might be looking for moves away from Elland Road this summer as opportunities remain scarce…

Kiko Casilla

The most obvious name on the list is Kiko Casilla.

The signing of Illan Meslier last season was made initially as backup to the Spaniard, but from the moment Meslier shone at Arsenal in the FA Cup, it was a matter of team before the youngster earned his starting berth.

Meslier hasn’t looked back from that moment and has nailed down the number one spot for as long as he’s at Leeds United.

What that means is that Casilla will, at the most, have to settle for being second fiddle.

However, a ‘keeper at his age will probably be keen to continue playing at a decent level while he still can.

All this doesn’t even take into account that his reputation at Leeds has been massively tarnished by the FA charge for racism last season.

Casilla doesn’t fill Leeds fans or the players with confidence anymore, and it would be best for all parties if he moved on this summer.

Pablo Hernandez

Perhaps the most heartbreaking realisation about the end of this season is that it will most likely be the last time we see Pablo Hernandez in a Leeds United shirt.

A modern Leeds legend, Hernandez is one of the main reasons we’re a Premier League club, with his consistent high standards raising the bar at Elland Road.

Promotion was the least the Spaniard deserved after he basically dragged Leeds over the line in the final nine games of last season.

However, his influence on the team has tailed off significantly in the top flight, to the point where he’s been massibely limited to late cameos.

He’s had chances to shine and took them in the 5-2 home win over Newcastle United in December, where he registered two assists despite being on the pitch for 10 minutes.

Interest was reported from Phil Hay in January from the club Hernandez part owns, CD Castellon, and it seems inevitable that he will end his career there.

The summer presents the perfect time for him to depart, and ample time to prepare for the farewell of one of Leeds’ best players this millenium.

Share this article

Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.