KEY POINTS

  • Leeds FC will sign Diego Llorente from Real Sociedad for an estimated $25 million
  • The move is pending his medical clearance, a mere formality in the blockbuster deal
  • Llorente took to social media to thank the Real Sociedad community for his time with the team

Leeds FC and Real Sociedad have reached an agreement to sign Diego Llorente. The center-back is expected to join The Whites once the 27-year-old completes his medical clearance.

The deal is estimated to cost Leeds around $25 million.

“The final agreement is subject to the player’s medical test,” Real Sociedad said in a statement, as reported by The Guardian.

Throughout Llorente’s career, he served as a reliable defender for Real Sociedad with his quickness on the pitch. Coupled with his passing skills and anticipation of his defenders, the Spanish standout was able to come up with a productive stay with La Real.

“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,” the statement continued.

In 88 appearances with Real Sociedad, Llorente scored eight goals and tallied two assists. But his specialty is defense, something sorely in need for Real Sociedad.

Having a player like Llorente can deepen the roster of the Peacocks. In 30 appearances for Imanol Alguacil, Llorente was part of the Real Sociedad squad that was able to reach the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

The defender took to social media to thank his supporters and the Real Sociedad community for his stay with the team.

“Now the time has come to face a new challenge and say goodbye to the city where I got married, I have started a family, I have seen my daughter born and I have been immensely happy. It is not an easy time and so I assure you that a piece of my heart will always be from Donostia and, of course, txuri urdin,” Llorente said in Spanish.

In 2011, Llorente started his football career with Real Madrid. Although he wasn’t able to make a huge impact as part of the first-team, he found new opportunities outside Los Blancos. Signing with Real Sociedad in 2017 opened new chances for Llorente to shine on the field. In last year’s La Liga, he saw consistent minutes and started in 27 matches.

The match between Eibar and Real Sociedad, cancelled in February following a landslide into a nearby rubbish dump, on Tuesday became the first Liga game played behind closed doors because of coronavirus
The match between Eibar and Real Sociedad, cancelled in February following a landslide into a nearby rubbish dump, on Tuesday became the first Liga game played behind closed doors because of coronavirus AFP / ANDER GILLENEA