Diego Llorente announcement update after Leeds United transfer news
The transfer announcement of Leeds United defender Diego Llorente to Real Betis is expected in the next few hours, according to DeportesCOPESevilla.
The Spanish outlet reported via X on 9 July that following one of the longest ongoing transfer sagas in the summer window for Leeds, the move will finally be made official.
This comes after the club reportedly agreed on a £2.5million fee [Marca, 8 July, page 18] for the former Real Madrid man.
What the transfer of Diego Llorente means for Leeds United
Although some fans might have wanted to keep ahold of Llorente for the 2024/25 season, most are likely glad to see the back of him.
The defender has spent the last 18 months away from the squad and jumped ship as soon as things started to become difficult.
Although the Whites are still in need of defensive reinforcement, especially now Charlie Cresswell has completed a move to Ligue 1 side Toulouse [Yorkshire Evening Post, 6 July], the sale of Llorente is the best thing for both parties.
The fee is minimal especially when the £20million that was spent on bringing him to West Yorkshire is brought into consideration.
But, money is money and there's no doubt that the fee gained from the transfer will be put towards Daniel Farke's next recruit.
Although centre-backs in particular are needed, the fact that nothing has been said about the future of Max Wober [BILD, 17 June] could fill Leeds fans with some hope.
When plying his trade for Leeds in their final top-flight season, Wober was among the best performers and the fact he can play defensive-midfield too is a massive bonus.
So, although the deal for Llorente isn't the most favourable for Leeds, it's better than having a player who doesn't want to be there around the club.
In other Leeds news, the salary that Kristoffer Klaesson will receive has been revealed.
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