Leeds United player’s ‘future is at stake’ – Move to specific club depends on manager’s future

Leeds United’s Diego Llorente spent the second half of last season on loan at AS Roma and his stay there was extended in the last window.

Four days ago, Gazzetta dello Sport stated the defender could return to Elland Road after this season. It was also stated there’s an obligation to buy if certain set conditions are met and the Serie A side feel it will ‘cost too much’ to retain him.

Gazzetta’s shock claim about the Leeds owned player is partly dismissed by Forza Roma.

The centre-back has made 20 appearances this season and it includes a starring display in his side’s 2-0 win over Napoli at the weekend.

Chris Smalling’s absence due to an injury has seen the 30-year-old become the leader of the Giallorossi’s defence. The Spaniard is ‘convincing everyone’ at Roma. Despite this, the report states ‘his future in the [Italian] capital is at stake’.

José Mourinho knows Llorente well from this time at Real Madrid and the latter feels very comfortable in Rome.

Surprisingly, Forza Roma say the Italian club don’t have an option or obligation to make the Leeds man’s stay permanent.

The outlet further adds ‘it’s too early’ to talk about Llorente’s future but if the Portuguese tactician were to continue at the club, it’s ‘very likely’ for Roma to buy him outright from Daniel Farke’s side.

It’s to be noted neither Leeds nor Roma have mentioned about an option/obligation to buy when they announced the transfer back in the summer.