Diego Llorente contract twist emerges at Leeds United after transfer news
Leeds United have an option to extend Diego Llorente’s contract, though there is no chance it will be triggered, according to Muchodeporte.
The Spanish outlet reported [28 June] that, while the Spaniard’s contract at Elland Road runs until 2026, the player is interested in a move to Real Betis, with the La Liga side ready to offer a long-term contract [Estadio Deportivo].
It is understood that AS Roma are interested in another season-long loan for the central defender, who has made 54 appearances for the Italians, but Llorente prefers the stability of a permanent move.
Diego Llorente to depart Leeds United as contract news emerges
Having impressed during his time with Roma, there is no doubt that Llorente would be a good addition to Daniel Farke’s defensive set-up.
However, given his choice to jump ships after Leeds’ relegation, the passionate fans at Elland Road would be unlikely to welcome him back with open arms and would much rather see the financial benefit of his exit.
This would see him join Marc Roca at Real Betis, with the club already confirming the midfielder’s departure this summer [Leeds United], though some fans have been left disappointed by the price tag.
The only reason that Leeds would choose to trigger the one-year extension in the 30-year-old’s contract would be if his current deal was set to expire this summer, leaving no chance of any profit being made on his departure.
This could even take away from the Whites’ chances of signing Tottenham defender Joe Rodon, who spent last season on loan at Elland Road and has expressed his desire to return to the club next season [Yorkshire Evening Post].
The Spanish defender seems to have made it clear that his future lies anywhere but Elland Road next season, so extending his contract would make no sense this summer.
In other Leeds United news, Liam Millar could be signed as a replacement for exit-linked Wilfried Gnonto this summer following a recent transfer update.
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