New Leeds arrival is a cut above anything else in the division - BBC journalist
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New Leeds arrival is a cut above anything else in the division - BBC journalist

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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COMMENT By Editor Wayne Veysey

New Leeds signing Pablo Hernandez is too good for the Championship, according to a BBC journalist.

BBC Yorkshire broadcaster Adam Pope hailed the four-times Spain international after he was confirmed as Leeds' first signing of the January transfer window.

The high flying second-tier club announced on Monday afternoon that Hernandez has signed permanently from the club from Qatari outfit Al-Arabi.

The 31-year-old new arrival had impressed the Leeds hierarchy after joining on an initial five-month loan deal that expired last week.

Pope took to his personal Twitter account on Monday to hail Hernandez and explain why he will be a central figure for the remainder of the campaign.

"Hernandez on his day a cut above this division," said Pope. "Keep him injury fee and he could be crucial to a promotion push."

The Yorkshire giants revealed in a statement that playmaker Hernandez has joined on an initial six-month deal, with the option for Leeds to extend it by 12 months at the end of the agreement.

Fans are thrilled that new joint owner Andre Radrizzani striking his first transfer blow within five days of being confirmed as having a 50 per cent stake in the former Champions League club.

Hernandez has made a big impact since being one of 11 senior signings last summer along with the likes of Liam Bridcutt, Pontus Jansson, Kyle Bartley, Luke Ayling and Hadi Sacko.

The 31-year-old has scored three goals and supplied three assists in 17 Leeds appearances, and has slotted impressively back into the team in recent weeks after a seven-week absence with a hamstring injury.

Hernandez is one of the first names on the team sheet of the fifth-placed Championship side, who have genuine ambitions of a top-six finish this season.

The Spaniard could be rested from the starting line-up for Leeds' FA Cup third round clash against second-tier Cambridge United on Monday night.

In other Leeds transfer news, a 25-year-old has signed for the club after agreeing terms.

Leeds United
Pablo Hernandez
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