Roma make unexpected transfer decision on Leeds United loanee Diego Llorente
Roma are set to decide against signing on-loan defender Diego Llorente permanently from Leeds United in an unexpected transfer twist, according to Tutto Mercato Web.
The report on 22 May reveals that the Serie A side are keen to undergo cost-cutting measures by opting not to trigger purchase clauses for on-loan players, such as Llorente.
The Giallorossi had seemingly been minded to retain the centre-back’s services but it appears they have now changed their thinking.
What will Leeds United do with Diego Llorente?
Daniel Farke will have a choice to make if Roma do indeed decide against making Llorente’s loan stay in the Italian captial permanent – namely, whether to reintegrate the central defender into the Leeds squad or not.
Given the defender is entering the final two years of his contract with the Whites, choosing to keep him would either necessitate offering him an extension or accepting that the chance to generate some funds from his sale are all but passed.
The former choice is unlikely for a player who will be 31 in August and is unlikely to be one of Farke’s first-choice starters – when Pascal Struijk is fit and assuming Joe Rodon’s loan is made permanent, the Spaniard could be as low down as fourth or even fifth in the centre-back pecking order.
The latter choice is equally unappealing for Leeds – particularly if they fail to win promotion in the playoff final against Southampton on 26 May – as they will need to raise funds to balance their books.
Therefore, the ideal solution for the Whites would be to find an alternative buyer. Whether or not they can do so remains to be seen.
In other Leeds United news, an EFL manager has delivered his Championship playoff final verdict.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.