Leeds United defender Diego Llorente reportedly wants to sign for AS Roma on a permanent basis this summer despite the centre-back playing just four times for the Italian giants.
According to CalcioMercato, the Spaniard is keen to sign for Jose Mourinho’s side for good having joined Roma in January on loan for the remainder of the year, with the Serie A side holding an €18m (£15m) option to make the transfer permanent if they so wish in the summer.
However, with Llorente making just four appearances in all competitions for Roma, two of which have been starts, it currently looks unlikely that the Giallorossi will take up their £15m option to sign the Leeds defender on a permanent deal, even with the centre-back intent on remaining in Italy.
With Leeds in a relegation battle and Roma firmly in a fight for top-four, it makes sense why Llorente would want to stay with Mourinho’s side beyond this season, with UEFA Champions League football a real possibility for the Serie A side for next season.
Moreover, with Roma still in the UEFA Europa League, there’s a good chance that Llorente could win silverware with his new club in the coming months, another factor that could be playing a role in the defender’s thinking of wanting a permanent move to the Eternal City.
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Indeed, with Leeds’ Premier League status hanging by a thread, Llorente could be in for an interesting summer if the Whites are relegated and Roma are unwilling to trigger their option to sign the defender, though a cheaper deal could be in the offering.
Roma could sign Llorente if Leeds lower optional transfer fee
Given the financial state of Serie A, there’s a strong chance that Roma are currently unwilling to sign Llorente for good based on the £15m fee Leeds have installed in the defender’s loan deal, yet should this be lowered, then there will be no issues in shipping the 29-year-old to Italy.
As we know, Llorente wants to sign for Roma on a permanent deal, and whilst the defender has struggled for minutes, Mourinho could bring the centre-back for good if Leeds are open to selling the Spaniard for a much cheaper asking price.
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