This was not the conclusion Diego Llorente’s first season away from Leeds United deserved.
But it is the conclusion he is now forced to accept.
So impressive since his return to La Liga on a permanent basis last summer – he was even tipped to secure a place back in the Spain squad for the first time since 2022 – Diego Llorente was a man on a mission.
Determined to put a difficult couple of seasons behind him, relegated with Leeds United and let go after a mixed loan spell at Roma, a couple of stand-out performances against the most feared opposition in Spanish football had Llorente lining up his detractors and disproving them one-by-one.
Llorente was outstanding as Real Betis stunned Real Madrid in March. A ‘9/10′ central defensive masterclass to keep Kylian Mbappe at arms’ length.
“What a display of power from Diego,” El Pespunte wrote following a massive win for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. “He didn’t lose a single duel and was impeccable in bringing the ball out. His second half was absolutely outstanding.”
The ex-Leeds defender then scored the winner against Las Palmas. An instinctive volley with which many a centre-forward would have been proud.
Diego Llorente had been brilliance since leaving Leeds United for Real Betis
With Betis climbing the table at a rapid rate and with one foot in the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League, Llorente’s season was supposed to end with a crescendo. A roar rather than a whimper.
Instead, the reward for all that hard work will be a spot on the treatment table as Los Verdiblancos look to cap a brilliant 2025 with a piece of continental silverware.
Llorente was stretchered off during Sunday’s defeat to Villarreal. That Betis lost a La Liga match for the first time since February without the one-time Real Sociedad colossus is probably not a coincidence.
It has now been confirmed that, due to the severity of his hamstring injury, Llorente faces three months out of action. Forget the run-in. The Madrid-born 31-year-old will be lucky to make it back in time for pre-season.
“It’s very difficult to accept this injury during the most important phase of the season,” a dejected Llorente writes on social media. “But sometimes football happens like that.
“All I can do is exchange the frustration and anger I feel right now for support and encouragement for my teammates, who I’m sure will give their all to achieve their goals! Because I know it, I see them working every day and giving their all in every game.
“Now, it’s my turn to cheer them on like all of you do every game!”
Betis face Conference League challenge as Leeds lose Pascal Struijk
There is a very real chance now that Betis, should they avoid an almighty collapse against Polish outfit Jagiellonia Bialystok in the second-leg of their Conference League quarter-final, will head into the last-four without two of their star defenders.
“[Llorente’s injury] is significant as we have Natan on the brink of suspension in the Conference League,” a worried Pellegrini says. “We will assess how serious it is and look for solutions to fill the gap he leaves.”
As for Llorente’s former employers, Leeds United have bid farewell to Pascal Struijk for the season. Daniel Farke confirmed that, while he does not need surgery, a fracture in his foot rules the Dutch-born defender out until the summer.
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