MOT View: Glowing praise from ex-coach could highlight massive Leeds mistake
Leeds United forward Rafa Mujica has sealed a loan switch to Spanish side Real Oviedo this week.
The young striker has never caught the eye at Elland Road, with this latest loan deal including a permanent option-to-buy next summer.
Mujica spent last season at Villareal B and Extremadura, only managing to score four goals in his 15 appearances in the 19/20 campaign.
Villareal B coach Miguel Alvarez has recently covered the 21-year-old in glowing praise following their time together last season.
“Mújica is a boy who knew about Barcelona,” he told Cadenaser.
“Being a youth, he already played in the subsidiary. I loved him, and last season I had the opportunity to have him. It was a short time, but very satisfying.
“I think he also left here very satisfied because I think he grew up in football. He is a player that I say is from the street, who has many records.”
The only Spanish striker on the lips of every single Leeds fan right now is Rodrigo.
The Valencia forward is closing in on a record-breaking move to Elland Road, so it is easy to suggest that Mujica’s move has flown under-the-radar.
Looking at Alvarez’ praise though, the Whites could have made a big mistake by including a permanent option in this loan deal.
Yes, we haven’t seen enough of the 21-year-old at Thorp Arch, but he has never really been given that chance to excel.
With Charlie Allen, Joseph Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood all expected to boost the club’s academy options in the final third – it appears that Mujica’s time in West Yorkshire has come to an end.
Only time will tell if this is a massive mistake though.
In other Leeds United news, Charlie Adam backs this excellent Whites defender to be given international opportunity