Leeds United have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to sell one of their defenders that was on loan during the 2023-24 season, but further talks are required to strike a deal between the two sides.
So far, only Robin Koch and Luis Sinisterra are joining their loan clubs on a permanent basis of Victor Orta’s loan army. It leaves the future of six other players in doubt come the start of the window at Leeds.
Brenden Aaronson has been confirmed as returning from his loan at Union Berlin. Rasmus Kristensen, Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Marc Roca and Diego Llorente are all set for uncertain futures this summer.
The 49ers are confident that Wober, Roca, Harrison and Llorente have done enough to earn permanent exits. Llorente indeed, has clocked up 42 games for Roma during 2023-24 despite a change of managers.
He impressed, earning praise from current boss Daniele De Rossi after the latter replaced Jose Mourinho at the helm. Now, reports from Italy have emerged of the details of the agreement in place for Llorente.
All parties have gentleman’s agreement for Llorente deal
There have been differing reports regarding whether Llorente will join Roma on a permanent basis this summer. Some suggest a deal is done, while others state Roma are looking at other options to Llorente.
Now, Il Tempo report – as per Voce Giallorossa – that there is a gentleman’s agreement between Leeds, Roma and Llorente himself. However, further talks are required to strike the £4m deal for the Spain man.
It is claimed that Leeds’ inability to regain a place in the Premier League could allow Roma to sign the defender on loan for a third time. Talks then are required to see what kind of deal is needed for Llorente.
Llorente has no future at Leeds, 49ers have got to sell him
What is good news in regards to the Orta loan army from a Leeds point of view, is that just two of the eight players that left previously on loan using the clause now have that same clause this summer.
Of course, two have left permanently. Phil Hay reports that one of those two is Harrison and the other is likely to be Roca, given there is a clause in his contract to be signed on a permanent basis as well.
For Llorente, Leeds need to get rid of him. He was one of many flops signed by Orta, costing £18m from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2020 and only managing 59 appearances for the Yorkshire side.