Leeds United are expected to try and shift a number of Victor Orta’s loan army over the next few weeks and months and Diego Llorente is one of those, having spent 18 months out on loan.
The 30-year-old joined Leeds from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2020 and the Spain international’s arrival was seen as somewhat of a coup, a player that was considered one of La Liga’s best defenders.
But in the next two and a half years at Elland Road, he managed just 59 appearances for the Yorkshire side. Injury and a lack of form saw Llorente struggle to make any kind of impact at Leeds whatsoever.
Despite signing a new deal in December 2022, he was shipped out on loan to Roma to reunite with his old manager Jose Mourinho in January 2023 and Llorente has since become a regular for the Italian side.
Last season, he played a part in helping Roma reach the Europa League final before rejoining on loan for a season alongside Rasmus Kristensen and has clocked up a further 42 outings for Giallorossi this term.
Diego Llorente drops hint on Instagram ahead of £4m move
There have been differing reports over whether Roma would activate the £4.3m clause they boast in the loan deal to sign Llorente. But manager Daniele De Rossi is a fan, describing Llorente as “tremendous”.
The latest report is that Roma, Leeds and Llorente have a gentleman’s agreement to strike the £4m deal and it does look as though a permanent move will be completed. Now, Llorente has hinted on Instagram.
Llorente posted this week: It’s time to look at what is ahead and achieve balance. We cannot be happy because we have a team to be more committed and we are always trying to achieve great goals.
“However, we have overcome difficult moments, left everything on the field. We are fought and suffered. Thank you for your incredible support. The days of disconnection, rest begin… and wait with excitement.”
Llorente is one of four Leeds are confident of selling this summer
Llorente has done well for Roma this season, no question. But Leeds will still look to move him on and he is not the only out-on-loan player The 49ers want to shift in the coming months in order to raise funds.
Jack Harrison, Max Wober and Marc Roca have all been key players for Everton, Gladbach and Betis while out on loan from Leeds and The Whites are confident they can rake in a fee for each of these players.