In the January 2023 transfer window, Diego Llorente swapped Leeds United for AS Roma, and has made himself a very important player for Jose Mourinho.
Problems with other defenders at the Serie A club, and an ongoing fitness cloud specifically over Chris Smalling, has made the Spaniard ‘essential’ for manager Jose Mourinho, reports Voce Giallorossi.
Roma are still desperately looking for a defensive addition in the January transfer window. That won’t be to replace Llorente in the team, but to provide him with some support.
Their budget is probably inferior to Leeds United’s for the winter market, with reports in Italy this week saying the Rome club have around €1.5m to pay for someone between now and the end of the season… and that amount includes wages.
Llorente is on loan from Leeds United until the end of the season, and Roma will have to negotiate a deal if they want him to stay.
Whilst it’s conceded that’s a ‘problem’ looming on the horizon, and that talks will be held over that deal, it feels like it’s being kicked into the long grass for now, with Roma having more pressing concerns.
Given the financial issues, Leeds will probably get a low offer for Llorente, and may be able to get more elsewhere.
