Former Leeds United loanee Alfonso Pedraza now a La Liga regular

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Last January it seemed Leeds had done a piece of excellent business by concluding a deal to sign the Spanish talent Alfonso Pedraza. The youngster arrived on an initial loan deal from Villarreal, after spending the first half of the season on loan with Segunda Liga side Lugo.

He also had the option to join on a permanent deal should Leeds earn promotion. The Yorkshire Evening Post reported that fee as being in the region of £8.5 million. Of course Leeds never managed promotion and that clause became void.

Pedraza, who featured 14 times for Leeds scoring once, was however still on their radar. It was reported by Spanish publication AS that Leeds were still hopeful of bringing him in for the 2017-18 campaign.

Instead Pedraza headed to Deportivo Alaves in La Liga. So how has he got on with his new club?

Pedraza has established himself as a regular in the Alaves side. The 21-year-old has played 27 times for the La Liga outfit this season and has scored three goals. Adding to those three goals the talented Spaniard also has four assists this campaign, so it has been a productive loan spell.

Not only has he impressed, but Pedraza has also been flexible. This season has seen Pedraza develop an ability as a left-back, something Leeds United could certainly do with.

Alaves look safe from relegation despite flirting with the drop, thanks mainly to the awful campaigns suffered by Las Palmas, Deportivo La Coruna and Malaga. Pedraza has played a key role in ensuring their safety.

It is not clear where Pedraza will be playing his football next season. Clearly he has impressed with Alaves and Villarreal may decide to give him first-team football next season.

One thing though is for sure. Despite a mediocre loan stint last term, Leeds United could have done with his services this season.