Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sell Diego Llorente to Real Betis this summer, as per the Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
The 30-year-old joined the Whites from Real Sociedad back in 2020. But, he couldn’t manage to flourish his career at Elland Road before signing for AS Roma on a loan deal in January 2023.
Following an 18-month loan stint at the Stadio Olimpico, the Spaniard has returned to Leeds as the Giallorossi decided not to sign him permanently. But, he isn’t going to remain at the club as he is set to return to his home country.
Citing Mundo Deportivo as the source, Sport Witness has reported that Real Betis are closing in on a deal to sign Llorente this summer as the deal has ‘practically finalised’ and the official news is set to come ‘very soon’.
The Spanish club reportedly submitted two offers previously to get the deal done but the offer didn’t match Leeds’ asking price. But, their third offer of around £2.5m is enough to convince the Yorkshire club to sell their defender.
Leeds close to selling Llorente
Daniel Farke’s side have reportedly suffered a big blow financially after failing to gain the promotion last term. So, they have been busy balancing the books by selling some stars in the first half of this transfer window.
They have already allowed Archie Gray to leave for a £40m fee, while Llorente is now also set to leave. Additionally, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Wilfried Gnonto have all been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks.
However, Farke needs some new signings to help the club mount a top-two charge next season. The Whites have already signed Joe Rodon permanently and it is expected that a few more new faces will arrive over the coming weeks.
So, it is going to be interesting to see how Leeds will perform next season as it would be difficult for Farke to achieve success if he is forced to give up several of the key first-team players in this transfer window.
