Joining Real Sociedad in July of 2017 on a five-year contract, Diego Llorente remains on a relatively tight Real Madrid held leash, since they can buy him back at any time for a reported €25m.
For other clubs, the price could be double that, since his release clause with the La Liga side is set for €50m, which could be seen as a bargain come the summer.
The 25-year-old has become one of the club’s best players this season when he’s been fit and has been key in their run of six league games undefeated, including a 2-0 win over his former side back in early January, which has attracted interest from clubs, including Everton.
According to Diario Vasco journalist Jon Trueba, the Toffees were one of the clubs who wanted to sign Llorente in January.
Everton are said to have approached the player’s agent, Juanma Lopez, who then passed on the message to Real Sociedad.
While nothing came of it, Trueba does point out that while Llorente’s release clause is set at €50m, he believes the Spanish outfit could let him go for less.
We’ll have to see if that stance changes as the season goes on, but with reported interest from Tottenham as well among others, Real Sociedad could end up overseeing a nice auction in the summer, hoping Real Madrid don’t get involved and swoop in with their €25m.
