Marcelo Bielsa was a fan. Leeds United are reportedly in talks with one club about selling a £57,000-a-week player this summer.
Leeds transfer plans for the Championship
The Whites are preparing for their second season in the Championship, having missed out on instant promotion to the Premier League under Daniel Farke. The German will continue in command at Elland Road for the 2024/25 season, but a busy summer in the transfer market is expected first.
Chairman Paraag Marathe has conceded that there will be “trade-offs” as a result of their failing to return to the top division on the first try.
“We have the necessary funds to complete our tasks. Being in the Championship means that Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) are important considerations. We also inherited a difficult situation, so there are bound to be some trade-offs. But we also have a great team, and it’s not just about outs and ins.
“We are looking into scouting opportunities and players that we may bring in. We will have to make certain trade-offs due to P&S, but we have the investment to do what is necessary.”
Some of Farke’s key players from previous season, including Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, and Wilfried Gnonto, have been connected with departures. However, the Whites will have to make judgments on a number of players returning from loan periods, including Brenden Aaronson, who is expected to play a role in Leeds’ promotion push next season following discussions with Farke.
However, centre-back Diego Llorente, who spent last season on loan with AS Roma, may not be in the plans.
Roma in talks with Leeds about Diego Llorente deal.
According to sources in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Roma are now in talks with Leeds about signing Llorente permanently. A €5 million (£4.2 million) fee has been proposed for the £57,000-per-week defender, who is contracted until 2026.
Llorente was brought to Leeds by Marcelo Bielsa, who praised the defender after his first season at Elland Road.
“He has played well; he has not had a terrible game. He has consistently improved his performance level each time we have played. He started playing well and has continued to improve since then. “He has been one of the highlights of our season.”
However, following a good debut season, Llorente’s fortunes in Yorkshire declined, and he was transferred to Roma midway through the 2022/23 season. He ended up making 59 appearances for Leeds in all competitions and has already played 54 games for the Italian giants, so a permanent move could make sense for everyone involved.
