There’s no denying that Leeds United’s move to sign Rodrigo was an exciting one.
The Whites broke their transfer record to sign the Spain international in a £30 million deal and although it’s been a lukewarm start to life at Elland Road, the buzz was justified when you consider the experience and the money that changed hands.
Then again, if Leeds’ next move comes off then it blows Rodrigo out of the water in terms of excitement.
According to Noticias de Gipuzkoa, United are on the brink of bringing Real Sociedad defender Diego Lloente to West Yorkshire.
He will cost £12 million less than his compatriot, and he has 18 less Spain caps, but Llorente is a much more interesting signing, if it materialises.
We’re talking about a player who was linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool as recently as May [AS].
As talented as Rodrigo is, the former Valencia forward wasn’t being linked to European powerhouses, but Llorente has been and the fact that Leeds might be about to sign him should symbolise the club’s return to the big time more than getting the 29-year-old did.
Rodrigo is a bigger name, but Llorente just might be a much bigger player and for £18 million, this could be the best addition that Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta can or will make between now and the end of the window.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
