Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma are aiming to secure another loan move for Leeds United centre-back Diego Llorente this summer, with the buy option reduced in the process.
The Whites are preparing for life back in the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League, with the defence coming under intense scrutiny in 2023.
Diego Llorente was not present in Leeds for the demise that ultimately led to the side finishing 19th in the table, as he enjoyed a fairly fruitful loan at AS Roma, still ridden with injuries, though.
Will Llorente return to Leeds?
Despite being tied down to a long-term deal at Leeds last season, all signs are pointing towards Llorente being one of the players that Leeds aim to cash in on this summer.
He was cast out to Roma, where he helped the side to reaching the Europa League final, before they eventually lost on penalties to the competition’s specialists, Sevilla.
While there is no indication that Llorente is going to be involved for Leeds next season, it’s looking like he will have to report for pre-season until an agreement is reached, like everyone else.
Will Roma sign Llorente?
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport are now claiming that Roma are still keen on re-signing Llorente this summer, but won’t want to have the same buy option included in his loan as the one agreed in January – which stood at €18m (£15.4m).
With Llorente turning 30 at the start of the season, it is claimed that Roma won’t want to commit such a fee to someone “effectively entering the final part of football life”.
Llorente is said to be keen to return to the Italian capital this summer, though, with sporting director Tiago Pinto eager to seal a reunion while Mourinho is also wanting to count on Llorente, having managed him previously as a youngster at Real Madrid:
“Llorente has integrated well into the Roma dressing room. He is considered a veteran by his companions, a guy with his head on his shoulders and the charisma of a leader.”
Who will be Leeds’ next manager?
Daniel Farke
Carlos Corberan
Brendan Rodgers
Other?
