Leeds United may have to wave goodbye to Diego Llorente transfer windfall after latest blow
Leeds United may have to wave goodbye to their potential £18m+ transfer windfall for Diego Llorente after the defender suffered an injury setback for AS Roma on Thursday 9 March.
Llorente’s first start for Roma only lasted 45 minutes and the defender had to leave the field at half-time after suffering from an adductor issue.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay reported the said £18m+ transfer windfall on 30 January, something which may now not be a possibility with Llorente looking unlikely to get much more playing time.
“As per Italian media, Diego Llorente set to sign for Roma. Loan to the end of the season with obligation which will see Leeds recoup at least the £18m they paid for him in 2020,” said Hay on Twitter. (30 January)
“Contract extension given to Llorente recently has maintained his value at that level.
“Told the obligation aspect is still to be finalised (Leeds want that in the deal). Will either be obligation or option for permanent. Llorente in Italy preparing to complete loan.”
Obviously, with little to no games played in Rome other than this dismal 45-minute outing in the UEFA Europa Conference League, it’s unlikely Roma will be wanting to fork out a minimum of £18m on Llorente.
With Hay alluding to the fact that the obligation to buy was still to be determined it’s likely the deal will have been an option to make it permanent.
Which in this case, means Leeds United will be losing out on that juicy bit of cash for a player who did next to nothing at Elland Road in the grand scheme of things.
In true Llorente fashion, he’s only gone and made things even stinkier at his new club and it’s hard to see Roma wanting to pay a heap of cash for a player who has barely played for them.
That cash influx sure would have been nice this summer, especially with the 49ers’ full takeover also set to come ahead of what could be a huge few months in West Yorkshire.
Will Llorente end back up at Elland Road? Time will tell.
In other Leeds news, a key attacking duo could be set to return for the clash with Brighton this weekend.
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