Leeds United finalise Diego Llorente loan return to Roma as announcement update emerges
Leeds United and Roma are finalising the details for the loan of Diego Llorente according to Corriere dello Sport.
The newspaper reported on page 15 of its print edition (22 June) that Llorente has pushed hard to continue his journey with Jose Mourinho’s side.
Llorente joined Roma on loan in January and wishes to remain with the club next season for a second loan spell.
Following his arrival, the Spanish defender made nine appearances in the league and three in the Europa League, featuring for 15 minutes during the club’s loss in the final to Sevilla on penalties.
Injuries disrupted his form and consistency within the Roma side last season and he will be hoping that with a full season in Rome, he can push on and lock down a starting place in the team.
Makes sense
Llorente was always going to want to continue with Roma.
Following Leeds’ relegation to the Premier League and Roma’s involvement in Europe next year, it was the clear choice for Llorente to continue playing his football in Italy. As a defender, it is easy to imagine that he has also benefited hugely from working under legendary coach Mourinho.
What is interesting is that Leeds allowed him to leave on loan once again rather than keeping him at the club as an option for the promotion push next season or selling him.
It is clear that Llorente wants the move away and is perhaps more suited to playing Italian or Spanish football and the club should therefore be looking to make his exit a permanent one, in order to bring in some funds for other transfers.
Without an obligation to buy in the loan deal, there is no guarantee Roma will make the signing permanent.
In other Leeds United news, one player’s permanent exit from the club is almost complete.