After joining Jose Mourinho’s team for a second time on loan in the summer, The Athletic’s Phil Hay told The Square Ball that Leeds United’s Diego Llorente is likely to join Roma permanently.
Llorente, 30, moved from Real Sociedad to Leeds in the summer of 2020 for a cost of £18 million. The addition was the subject of intense fanfare. a Real Madrid player who was also a member of the Spain national team. La Liga regular.
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.
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.
