Leeds United: Jose Mourinho played key role in tempting Diego Llorente to complete Roma transfer
Jose Mourinho was the key factor in Diego Llorente switching his allegiances from Leeds United to Roma on transfer deadline day, according to The Mirror.
The Whites defender completed a loan move to the Italian Giants on Tuesday (31 January) with a £16million buy option available in the summer. [Fabrizio Romano 31 January]
The Mirror said the 29-year-old was “already looking forward to his chapter” under Mourinho after signing a new contract at Elland Road just over a month ago. [Sky Sports, 23 December]
“Jose Mourinho was the key factor in Diego Llorente moving from Leeds to Roma on loan until the end of the season,” The Mirror wrote (Wednesday 1 February, page 55).
“Even though the 29-year-old centre-half signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract extension at Elland Road last month, the move could turn into a permanent one in the summer.
“He joined the Yorkshire club from Real Sociedad in September 2020 for £18million but has made only 59 appearances in all competitions in the to years since then.
“Llorente has failed to make himself part of plans under manager Jesse Marsch’s plans, but on touching down in Italy, the Spaniard was already looking forward to the next chapter in his career under the Roma boss.
“He said: ‘Having the opportunity to work with Mourinho is a dream come true.'”
Surprising
Although it came as a bit of a surprise that Llorente was on the plane to Italy so quickly after penning a new contract at Elland Road, most fans will agree it was a good move for all parties involved.
Leeds have been struggling to find consistency at the back for quite some time now, and the fact that Llorente couldn’t force his way into these plans highlights he was not in Marsch’s plans going forward.
Shipping deadwood such as the Spaniard can free up funds for more incomings, with Leeds showing a willingness to bring international quality to the club in the last month.
Some players, unfortunately, just don’t suit Premier League football, and Llorente seems to fall into this category.
He has shipped too many goals when playing and hasn’t been able to nail down a starting spot under either Marcelo Bielsa or Marsch.
With the American’s job well and truly on the line in the coming months, having players such as Llorente at Elland Road was of no use to anyone.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports journalist has shared whether Weston McKennie can make his debut against Nottingham Forest.