The Athletic’s Phil Hay has told The Square Ball that Diego Llorente is likely to join Roma on a permanent basis from Leeds United after joining Jose Mourinho’s side for a second time on loan, in the summer.
Llorente, 30, joined Leeds in the summer of 2020 for a fee of £18m from Real Sociedad. There was huge hype around the addition. A Spain international, a player who played for Real Madrid. Regular in La Liga.
But his first season was marred by injury. The next 18 months did not go much better, failing to prove his transfer fee. Surprisingly, he signed a new deal at Leeds in December 22 – then, went on loan to Roma.
Having made 12 appearances for Roma during the second half of 22-23 – including the Europa League final – Roma moved to sign him on loan again. It saw them choose not to activate a permanent clause.
Back at Roma, Llorente has started all three of his side’s Serie A matches. They have made a poor start to the season – with Rasmus Kristensen dropped. Hay said he expects Roma to sign him permanently.
“Roma specifically didn’t activate the option that they had on him which was supposed to be the fee Leeds signed him for. I think there’s probably a high likelihood he goes there permanently,” Hay said.
Hay says Llorente likely to join Roma permanently from Leeds
Llorente has no future at Leeds at this stage. But, of course, he has signed a new long-term deal. It leaves Leeds in a position where they have to get rid of him – his wage is too big for the second tier.
Even if it was affordable, you would suggest that there is no way back for Llorente at Leeds. Even, with Leeds in the Championship. It is unclear at this stage how much Leeds will get for the Spanish defender.
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