Impressing towards the back end of last season during his six month spell away from Leeds United at AS Roma, Diego Llorente eventually stayed at the Serie A side on yet another temporary spell.
The difference this time around is that the Spaniard has the option to stay permanently, and some details have suggested he will automatically be bought for €5m if he plays 50% of the club’s games this season.
For those wondering, the Leeds loanee is currently well on track to achieving that figure, mostly due to injuries to Chris Smalling and Marash Kumbulla, and Roma Metropolitan Magazine explain that the Whites failing to return to the Premier League could also play a part in it all.
They look at the options Roma have at the back these days, with the need to bring someone in January growing, especially as Evan Ndicka is expected to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The outlet also muse as to who could still be at the Serie A side next season, with Gianluca Mancini and the aforementioned Ndicka the two expected to be there ‘barring resounding offers’.
Chris Smalling is expected to be on the market during the second half of the campaign, which then brings us to Llorente.
They state he ‘could be redeemed for a sum close to €5m’, especially if Leeds ‘do not move up to the Premier League’.
Therefore, if the Whites were to fail in their efforts, they would be in a position of need more than anything else, and if no automatic clause is triggered, may have to sell for less.
That’s what Metropolitan Magazine suggest at least, and one to keep an eye on.
Either way, the general feeling is that Llorente should be making the move one way or another.
