Diego Llorente, 30, has spent the last 18 months on loan at Serie A giants Roma, making a significant impact during his time there. The Spain international has amassed 54 appearances for Roma, including a run to the Europa League final last season.
Initially joining Roma for the second half of the 2022-23 season, Llorente’s stay was extended for the 2023-24 campaign. This term, he has played in 42 matches, becoming a regular starter after Jose Mourinho’s departure.
Llorente recently scored a crucial late equaliser in a draw with Fiorentina, earning praise from Roma’s current manager Daniele De Rossi, who described him as “tremendous.” Reports had suggested that Roma were prepared to sign Llorente permanently for £4.3 million, a move Leeds United were confident would go through.
However, a recent update from TuttoMercatoWeb brings disappointing news for the Yorkshire club. The Italian outlet claims that, similar to Rasmus Kristensen, Roma are unlikely to renew Llorente’s loan and he is expected to return to Leeds this summer.
The news comes as a surprise given Leeds’ confidence and Roma’s apparent valuation of Llorente, indicated by his substantial game time under both Mourinho and De Rossi.
However, TMW states that Roma are looking to reduce spending and streamline their squad, which likely rules out a permanent move for Llorente despite his significant contributions and the bargain price tag.
Llorente’s anticipated return to Leeds is part of a broader scenario involving other Leeds players out on loan. Robin Koch has joined Frankfurt permanently, while Luis Sinisterra is set to move to Bournemouth beyond his current loan. Everton’s sporting director Kevin Thelwell has mentioned that there is a plan in place for winger Jack Harrison.
Leeds are seeking £14.5 million for Max Wober, a fee that Borussia Mönchengladbach are unwilling to meet. As noted, Kristensen is set to return to Leeds, and Marc Roca is expected to do the same, with Union Berlin confirming Brenden Aaronson’s return as well.
While Leeds have managed to secure a fee exceeding £20 million for Sinisterra, there remains considerable work to offload the remaining players who utilized Victor Orta’s relegation loan clause. The situation highlights the club’s challenge in balancing their squad and finances as they navigate their future in the Championship.
In summary, despite Llorente’s impressive performances in Italy, Roma’s financial restructuring means he will likely return to Leeds. The club now faces the task of finding new destinations for him and other returning loanees, ensuring they can generate the necessary funds and stabilize their roster for the upcoming season.