Former Leeds player Simon Walton says he was ‘surprised’ by Diego Llorente’s new contract.
Walton said that although Llorente is not a bad player, his extension is not a good sign. Investment in the January window in defensive areas was priority, but it seems the only thing Leeds fans will get is Llorente’s renewal.
Walton feels that the extension came as a complete surprise:
“I was surprised with Llorente’s contract extension, I won’t lie,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “Not because I think he’s a bad player, I just felt we’re at a stage now where there has to be some fresh blood coming in and a little jump to the next level, a bit of investment to kick on and freshen things up.”
The Spaniard arrived in September 2020, signing a four-year deal with the club. His reported transfer fee was about £18 million. Llorente has gone on to make just over 50 appearances for Leeds United. He signed a two-year extension, which raised eyebrows at Elland Road.
Leeds sit in 15th place in the Premier League, just 2 points off the relegation zone. The club have the 4th worst defensive record in the league conceding 29 goals in 15 games.
