Diego Llorente has told Spanish outlet SER Deportivo Gipuzkoa that he “didn’t hesitate” to leave Leeds United for Roma in January – after Jose Mourinho had given him a call, the man to give him his professional debut at Real Madrid.
Llorente, 29, has endured a difficult time at Elland Road. Just 59 games since his move to Elland Road in the summer of 2020 – injury has hampered his time in Yorkshire. Robin Koch’s form this season has seen Llorente warm the bench.
So much so, that when Roma came calling, he has decided to go. The Mail report that he has a permanent clause in his Roma loan deal, worth £18m. Whether Roma activate that or not, remains to be seen. He has been used once, so far.
Indeed, Llorente has been an unused sub in seven of the eight Roma matches he has been available for. His only game came at the beginning of February, coming on for a couple of minutes against Empoli. Llorente spoke about his exit.
“Yes of course [Mourinho convinced him]. It was one of the factors. An important coach in my early days, he gave me confidence, gave me my debut. For a young boy, something unforgettable. When he called me again, I didn’t hesitate.”
Diego Llorente didn’t hesitate to leave Leeds for Roma in January
Ultimately, Llorente’s time at Leeds is over. He struggled for form at Leeds and he is hardly seen as a future first-team player at Elland Road. But the chances of Roma activating the permanent clause, at £18m, seems very unlikely.
Largely because of his lack of game time so far. He could start for Roma on Thursday night in the Europa League as Mourinho’s side takes on Real Sociedad but it looks as though he will be watching from the bench. So, where next?
Roma could try to negotiate a smaller price for Llorente come the summer, given £18m is simply too expensive for him. Or, Llorente returns to Leeds and finds a new club. One thing that does seem certain, is that he will leave this summer.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
