Hull City striker Abel Hernandez is set to see his contract expire this summer. While the Tigers have reportedly attempted to land his signature on an extension, Hernandez has thus far refused to put pen to paper in order to stay at the KCOM Stadium. With the player potentially on the way out, Leeds United are reportedly interested.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are interested in securing Hernandez on a free transfer once his current deal ends. Hull manager Nigel Adkins said his side have made Hernandez “one hell of a contract” offer, but the striker is clearly interested in finding a new home after four seasons with his current club.
Finding the best odds is obviously key if you’re a sports bettor, and most books indicate that Hernandez is now more likely to leave Hull than to stay. Most reputable sportsbooks list Hernandez around 2-1 to be playing elsewhere in 2018-19.
Hull would certainly prefer not to lose a player that cost £10 million to acquire back in 2014 for nothing, but they may have no choice. The 27-year-old is reportedly atop Leeds’ wish list of centre-forward targets, and the club’s brass are reportedly already in the process of compiling an offer.
Hernandez made just 10 appearances this past season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon, but he certainly made the most of the time he was out on the pitch. The Uruguayan international bagged eight goals in those 10 games.
Hernandez returned to full fitness in March after missing the first chunk of the season and proved instrumental in keeping the Tigers in the Championship and out of the relegation zone. Hernandez, who helped Hull get promoted into the Premier League back in 2016, was reportedly close to leaving last summer before a £20 million move to Aston Villa fell through.
Hull spent a club record £10 million to bring him over from Palermo in ‘14.
Leeds are interested in a proven, UK-based striker to lead the line next season, and the opportunity to strike is imminent considering the domestic transfer window has now opened. United have additionally been linked with Carpi striker Jerry Mbakogu, who has been playing in Italy’s Serie B.
Leeds reportedly have a £3 million option to purchase Mbakogu, but Hernandez is reportedly seen as a better option considering his vast experience playing in England at a couple of different levels.
Adkins recently admitted that he was concerned about his club’s ability to keep Hernandez at Hull. He said, “Is he going to be here or is he not? We’ve offered him one hell of a contract to be here but he’s not signed it at the moment. We’re just waiting to see what happens.”
United are also reportedly keen on a permanent move for Swansea defender Kyle Bartley, who spent the 2016-17 season with Leeds on loan.