When Leeds United sent Diego Llorente on loan to AS Roma in the January transfer window, it was thought that would be the end of the defender’s time at Elland Road.
The hope, and, for some, expectation, was that Llorente would become a regular for Roma and the Italian club would make the move permanent in the summer window.
That hope quickly disappeared, and the Italian media repeatedly made it clear that Llorente hadn’t impressed at the Serie A side and would therefore be sent straight back to Leeds United at the end of the loan deal.
That was that, as far as many in Italy were concerned.
After the match, Mourinho praised the Leeds United, quoted by Radio Roma as saying: “Diego Llorente also played very well with Cris in a 4-man defence where we don’t have the routine. 3 or 4 defence? It depends on the opponent and the players we have available. I always think about fielding the best players.”
Mourinho doesn’t give minutes and praise out for charity, and it’s clear Llorente’s fortunes are starting to change. Should this continue then a permanent transfer is the summer will look likelier.
