Real Madrid interest again highlights how Leeds United missed out on Alfonso Pedraza

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Real Madrid are reportedly interested in the signature of Villarreal star Alfonso Pedraza. According to Radio MARCA, the Spanish giants are considering the 22-year-old as a potential future left-back option with Marcelo entering his 30s this year.

He excelled on loan at Deportivo Alaves last season and he has continued to impress back at his parent club. He has been in fine form and, at the weekend, scored a late equaliser in the derby clash with Levante. Real have liked what they’ve seen and will consider a move for his services in the months to come.

This news will certainly surprise Leeds United fans.

In the winter of 2017, Leeds snapped up the Spanish winger from Villarreal, hoping he could help them clinch a play-off spot. Andrea Radrizzani had great links with the Spanish club which he utilised to push a deal over the line.

If they managed to make it to the Premier League, Leeds would also have had the option to bring him to Elland Road permanently. The Yorkshire Evening Post reported that Leeds had agreed a £8.5 million option with the Spanish side to sign the player in the event of promotion to the top-flight.

Unfortunately, Garry Monk’s Leeds came up short. A resurgent Fulham overtook them and the Whites finished seventh, missing out on the play-offs after an inconsistent end to the season. Pedraza scored just once in 14 games for Leeds, headed to Deportivo Alaves on loan for the 2017-18 season, and went on to become more useful as a left-back.

The interest from Real Madrid again highlights that Leeds had a real talent on their hands, who could have been there’s if Monk and co had got the job done.