No player has featured as prominently in Leeds United transfer news as Rodrigo De Paul. Leeds’ pursuit of the Udinese midfielder rumbles on.
The Athletic have reported a gap between Udinese’s asking price and what Leeds are willing to pay.
This is a long-running saga, with all the transfer story staples like deleted social media posts, suggestions the move is near completion and counter-claims in the press.
Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross is the latest to weigh in on the De Paul situation.
Writing in a Q&A, Cross said, "I can still see De Paul happening, but the longer it drags on the clearer it is how reluctant United are to risk overspending on him while Udinese do not drop their asking price.”
Given the fees splashed for Robin Koch and Rodrigo, Leeds are clearly wary of stretching their budget too far on their return to the Premier League.
Newly promoted sides can get themselves in financial strife if they spend too much and get relegated. While Leeds will be confident of staying up, there’s a balance to be struck.
Cross added, "News of an even longer wait for fans to return will focus minds on the money, too."
Despite contrary reports a few days ago, it appears we are still a way off a definitive answer on De Paul’s future.
Llorente Move Confirmed
Leeds, according to The Guardian, have agreed a fee around £20 million for Real Sociedad defender Diego Llorente.
After a failed push for Ben White and links to countless other centre-backs including Arsenal duo Rob Holding and Calum Chambers, Marcelo Bielsa looks to have finally landed another defensive option.
A statement from Sociedad confirmed the transfer pending a medical and personal terms.
“The final agreement is subject to the player’s medical test. Real Sociedad wants to express its thanks and affection towards Diego for the three years he has been part of our club and wishes him all the best in this new chapter of his career.”
Thank you for the three years you have been part of our club! Good luck @diego_2llorente!#AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/B9tVjptGop
— Real Sociedad (@RealSociedadEN) September 22, 2020
Having conceded seven goals in their first two Premier League matches, Leeds will be delighted to see a new defender arrive.
Llorente was part of a strong Sociedad team last season, who reached the final of the Copa del Rey and finished sixth in La Liga. It’s a sizeable fee, but at 27 years old, Leeds have landed an experienced centre-back for his peak seasons.
888sport reported Llorente had agreed to move to Elland Road this week. Where other transfers have been drawn out over several weeks, this deal seemed to move fairly quickly with an announcement likely to come in the next couple of days.
Bielsa and Leeds’ attention can now be focused on attacking upgrades as the Whites look to avoid relegation from the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Credit for the main photo belongs to Oli Scarff / Pool via AP*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 23rd September 2020
