Leeds United are edging closer to sorting out the futures of Victor Orta’s loan group that all left Elland Road using the Spaniard’s clause following the club’s relegation to The Championship.
All eight played large roles in the relegation but instead of trying to right their wrongs and help Leeds get back up to the Premier League, they jumped ship. Some, worse than others in doing so, like Max Wober.
He is one of three players yet to have their future resolved as he remains at Euro 2024 with Denmark man Rasmus Kristensen. Confirmed deals have been done for Robin Koch, Luis Sinisterra and Jack Harrison.
Marc Roca is about to join that list with reports suggesting he could complete a £4.25m permanent move to Real Betis this week. Brenden Aaronson has made the surprise move to return to Leeds next season.
Diego Llorente is stuck in limbo as he remains on Leeds books
Diego Llorente meanwhile, is left in limbo somewhat. Unlike the others, he actually left on loan in January 2023 but used Orta’s clause to extend his loan at Roma by a year last summer, since playing 54 times.
The Spain star clocked up more than 40 appearances for Roma last term and it was expected he would join permanently, given how important he has been to Roma and how he has convinced Daniele De Rossi.
There is a gentleman’s agreement between Leeds, Roma and Llorente to strike a deal. But as time goes on, Llorente is losing hope over a deal and that has seen Leeds reduce their asking price to just £3m.
Llorente wants permanent Leeds exit and feels he deserves it
Now, a new update from Siamo La Roma who say that Llorente has ruled out the option to go on loan for a third time to Roma. He wants stability for his family and therefore will only join Roma permanently.
He is fed up of remaining on the books at Leeds and believes his form during the 2023-24 form in a Roma shirt is enough to warrant a permanent move. His agent has been speaking with the Roma hierarchy.
Whether Roma decide to spend the necessary funds remains to be seen. One ace Llorente does have up his sleeve in attempting to get Roma to do a deal, is that Roca’s Betis are supposedly interested in him.