If reports are true, sale of Leeds 29-year-old could be the start of a summer exodus

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Fabrizio Romano says Leeds United defender Diego Llorente is ‘closing in’ on a return to Roma after ‘personal terms’ had been ‘agreed’ between the Spaniard and Roma – and it could be the start of a much-needed summer exodus.

Llorente spent the second half of last season on loan at Roma. An up-and-down spell with Jose Mourinho’s men. He played 12 times for Roma, coming on as a sub in the Europa League final, losing to Victor Orta’s new side Sevilla.

A couple of injuries, and playing back-up to the likes of Roger Ibanez, Gianluca Mancini and Chris Smalling, Llorente struggled to break his way into the team. But, Mourinho and Roma like what they saw and are keen to keep him.

Llorente had a permanent option worth north of £15m in his Roma loan, but Roma are unwilling to pay that – looking to take advantage of our relegation. A second loan is a possibility, with a reduced permanent fee for the Spain man.

Now, Romano delivers an update. He says personal terms have been agreed, suggesting a deal is a permanent exit for Llorente. The Italian journalist also says that a transfer is close, with talks moving into the ‘final stages’.

Llorente joining Roma is start of much-needed summer exodus at Leeds

Leeds bought Llorente for £18m in the summer of 2020 from Real Sociedad. But it is a move that has simply failed. He is one of a number of players on high wages, that are not pulling their weight. He is one that has got to be sold.

Leeds have a few of these kind of players that need to go. Junior Firpo at left-back. Again, high wages, but failed to prove why on the pitch. Marc Roca is another. Rodrigo’s wages need to be slashed. Helder Costa must be offloaded.

Tyler Adams, Robin Koch, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Willy Gnonto, Illan Meslier and Rodrigo are all players that fit under the category of impressing for Leeds – but they need to be sold in order for Leeds to balance the books.

Hopefully then, Leeds selling Llorente – and Tyler Roberts to Birmingham City – will open the floodgates and get the ball rolling. If we can sell a whole heap of these players quickly, Leeds will have the cash to reinvest on the squad.