Hernández's league debut for Leeds came in a 1–2 home loss to Birmingham City, on 13 August 2016. On 17 September he scored his first goal, with a curling effort in a 2–0 victory over Cardiff City. On 5 November, he picked up a hamstring injury late on in a 3–2 win against Norwich City at Carrow Road, returning to action after almost two months; he celebrated his return on 26 December with a goal after replacing Hadi Sacko, helping defeat hosts Preston North End 4–1.