Italian outlet Sport Mediaset say Leeds United player Diego Llorente is set to return to Rome in the ‘next few hours’ after Leeds and Roma agreed a loan deal. All that needs to be decided is whether to include a permanent clause.
Llorente, 29, only signed a new deal at Leeds in December before agreeing a loan-to-buy move to Roma in January. But, with Leeds being relegated, the club decided against signing him for the £15m+ clause. Talks are ongoing.
But now, a breakthrough in talks. It looks as if Llorente will remain with Roma for the 2023-24 campaign, and the player himself will arrive in Rome in the ‘next few hours’. Talks remain over whether it will include an option or not.
What it does mean, is that Leeds will fail to bring in a fee for Llorente once again. It may mean that the Whites will wait until next summer before seeing some cash back for the Spain star. But getting him off the wage bill is key.
Diego Llorente to return to Roma in next few hours as Leeds agree loan
Llorente is likely to be one of many. Right now, it looks as if the players closest to the exit door are Llorente to Roma, Tyler Roberts to Birmingham City permanently, and like Llorente, Marc Roca to Betis. That may also have an option.
Llorente’s future at Leeds is over, even if the club got back into the Premier League. Leeds want rid, Llorente wants to go, Roma are keen. But, it is a bit of a blow to lose him for nothing – or a small loan fee – rather than just selling.
Either way, it does open up a path for Charlie Cresswell into the senior side with Robin Koch also expected to leave Leeds in the coming weeks. The hiring of a manager is key this week, before arrivals at Leeds can be organised.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
