Diego Llorente, a center defender for Leeds United, has not yet been able to leave the team permanently, but Roma has the opportunity to sign him on a long-term contract this summer.
The season’s end approaches for Leeds’ group of out-on-loan players, whose futures are still up in the air.
Few of them are playing well enough for permanent moves, and their decisions to leave Elland Road after relegation have generally damaged relationships. Diego Llorente is an intriguing exception on both counts, having been transferred out by the club before relegation in January 2023.
Diego Llorente to Roma for £4.3m a “possibility” this summer
This week, Corriere Dello Sport reported that Roma will be busy making arrangements for the summer transfer window as they assessed the composition of their squad for the upcoming campaign.
Llorente continues to be a mystery to the board in the Italian capital regarding the probable outgoings and incomings from the loan players they have signed.
The 30-year-old’s deal includes a buy option for £4.3 million, as they write:
“The path of Llorente, who has been attending Trigoria for a year and a half and in June can be withheld for the payment of 5 million to Leeds, remains uncertain. It’s a possibility.“
As for Rasmus Kristensen, it has been a foregone conclusion for some time that Roma would not be looking to sign him permanently, and this report backs it up.
Diego Llorente stats this season for Roma
The fact that Llorente was brought back on loan by Roma following his 2023 half-season stint is evidence that both Daniele De Rossi and Jose Mourinho consider him to be a solid defender while wearing Roma colors.
The defender has been a constant, and rumors have it that he has an appearance-based condition in his contract about the previously mentioned buy option. This clause would activate at 50% of games played, and he has easily exceeded it this season.
| Diego Llorente’s 23/24 stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances (minutes) | 41 (2855) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass success* | 91.4% |
| Tackles won per 90* | 0.82 |
| Errors leading to shots* | 0 |
| Interceptions per 90* | 0.87 |
*League only
Llorente should secure Roma move and Leeds exit
Llorente’s long-term future is clearly not at Elland Road, as has been clear for the past 18 months, thus Roma would be doing Leeds and the player a favor by signing him.
His transfer to Roma would, together with the other loan players who should also go, drastically reduce our pay bill.
For a starting center back in the top division who plays every week, £4.3 million is a reasonable amount, and it should be obtained as well.
