Alfonso Pedraza, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Leeds United, has signed for La Liga side Deportivo Alaves. The Villarreal winger will link up with Alaves on a season-long loan, with there being no option to make this permanent.
The 21-year-old Spaniard is described as ‘young and talented’ as well as being one of Villarreal’s ‘most promising players’. He didn’t set the world alight during his stint with Leeds last season, although the player himself acknowledges that it could’ve gone better but doesn’t regret making the move.
Pedraza has only played four league games during his time at Villarreal, often spending time away on loan. In the first half of last season, he made a big impression whilst with Lugo, which effectively earned him a big money to Leeds in January. Then manager Garry Monk wanted to boost his options down the flanks as they looked to consolidate their spot in the play-off places. Mo Barrow also joined from Swansea City, but he too mainly found himself on the bench at best.
However the move to Elland Road didn’t necessarily turn out as hoped. It began relatively brightly, finding the back of the net in the 3-1 away win over Birmingham City, just his third appearance for the club. This would be his only goal for the Whites, after playing 14 times in total, eight of which came as a starter.
The move to Alaves is certainly a positive one for the tricky winger, linking up with a side who only just missed out on the European places last season. They also reached the final of the Copa Del Rey, finding only Barcelona too good in the showpiece event.
