Leeds loanee due back at Elland Road soon, another likely to exit for good

As Leeds United navigates the latter part of the Championship season, the club is bracing for a bustling summer transfer window at Elland Road. The focus will be on both strengthening the squad and managing the return of players who have been out on loan.

Head coach Daniel Farke has expressed a desire to part ways with certain loanees, particularly those who have buyout clauses included in their loan agreements. However, the future of other players may not be as clear-cut.

Rasmus Kristensen, who has been on loan at Serie A club Roma, is one such player facing an uncertain future. Reports from Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, indicate that Roma does not plan to make Kristensen’s move permanent. The Danish defender’s loan spell has been a rollercoaster, with a challenging start under the management of Jose Mourinho. Despite this, Kristensen managed to become an integral part of the team in recent months. Unfortunately, a recent thigh injury has sidelined him, and it appears that his tenure with Roma may conclude once he is fit to play again.

In contrast, Diego Llorente’s situation at Roma is markedly different. The same sources report that Roma is interested in retaining Llorente beyond the current season and is prepared to exercise the buy option in his loan contract. If this option is activated, Llorente could transfer to Roma for a reported fee of €5 million. This move would allow Roma to either integrate Llorente into their squad or potentially sell him at a profit. Leeds United would then recover a portion of the £18 million investment made for his transfer from Real Sociedad in September 2020, as they look to offload a player who has been on loan for the past one and a half seasons.

Llorente has proven to be a pivotal player for Roma, contributing significantly under both Mourinho and his successor, Daniele De Rossi. He has made 34 appearances across all competitions, including nine in the Europa League—a tournament from which Kristensen is excluded after not being listed in Roma’s squad.

The return of other loanees, such as Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Marc Roca, and Sam Greenwood, is also anticipated this summer. However, it currently seems improbable that they will remain at Leeds United moving forward.

As the club prepares for these transitions, Leeds United and its management will have to make strategic decisions to ensure the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming season.