Diego Llorente permanent transfer at standstill as Leeds United update emerges
Diego Llorente’s “redemption” at AS Roma is currently at a standstill following his loan spell away from Leeds United, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Italian source reported [18 June] that the Spaniard’s permanent move to Serie A is up in the air as Roma attempts to understand the situation surrounding their central defenders.
According to ForzaRoma [1 June], Llorente was set to make his transfer permanent after two separate loan spells in Italy, though the new update suggests the deal is far from done.
Will Diego Llorente depart Leeds United this summer?
With Leeds stuck in the Championship for another season, and the club needing to raise funds to pay off unpaid transfer fees, they will be keen to get rid of the centre-back on a permanent deal.
Llorente has spent the last 18 months on loan with Roma, making 54 appearances and becoming a regular figure at the Stadio Olimpico, rather than helping the Whites back to the Premier League.
Many of the current loanees will not be part of Daniel Farke’s plans ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, though Brenden Aaronson has managed to work his way back into the squad.
While the 30-year-old is a talented defender, it has not worked out at Elland Road, having jumped ship following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League.
The likes of Jack Harrison and Rasmus Kristensen followed suit, with all of them now potentially leaving Elland Road on a permanent deal this summer too.
Although Leeds may be keen to get rid of the centre-half, Roma seemingly needs to adjust before they add Llorente to their ranks again, with Chris Smalling, Gianluca Mancini and Evan N’Dicka all options for Daniele De Rossi.
And having signed a contract extension until 2026, as per The Athletic, Leeds hold the cards when it comes to a price tag this summer.
In other Leeds United news, the club could take a player-plus-cash deal for Archie Gray this summer.
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