AS Roma is reportedly on the brink of exercising their option to buy Leeds United’s on-loan defender Diego Llorente for a modest fee, only to potentially flip him for a hefty profit this summer. Metropolitan Magazine has highlighted that the Serie A side is nearly finalizing a permanent deal for the Spanish defender for £4.2 million, a transaction that’s almost guaranteed due to a clause requiring his purchase if he participates in half of this season’s games.
With Paris Saint-Germain’s interest peeking through, Roma seems set to sell Llorente for almost double their investment, eyeing a lucrative profit margin. “Diego Llorente, expected to stay at Trigoria until June, will be acquired for a small sum (£4.2m) and subsequently placed back on the selling block,” the report mentions, suggesting that PSG’s bid could range between £8.5 million to £10.2 million, promising a substantial financial boost for Roma.
This development underscores Leeds United’s oversight in transfer dealings, as they face losing out on a potentially profitable transaction. The club’s decision to set a fixed buyout clause, primarily to offload Llorente, now seems shortsighted as Roma positions itself to benefit financially from a subsequent sale. Daniel Farke’s earlier comments on the necessity for Leeds to wield more influence over player sales highlight the current predicament, where Leeds lacks the leverage to prevent such scenarios.
Despite the apparent loss, prioritizing Llorente’s departure aligns with Leeds’ objective to streamline their squad, considering his diminished role at Elland Road. This situation serves as a learning curve for the club’s management, emphasizing the need for strategic foresight in future transfer agreements.
