Diego Llorente comments on Leeds United duo Rodrigo and Pablo Hernandez

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Diego Llorente has told Leeds United’s official website that a conversation with Pablo Hernandez proved to be a major factor in joining the newly-promoted Premier League side – and the new addition also commented on fellow recruit Rodrigo.

Llorente has signed a four-year deal at Elland Road in a move believed to have cost £18million (Leeds Live) from La Liga side Real Sociedad. He becomes the club’s third new first-team addition, along with Rodrigo and Robin Koch.

The Whites have also secured permanent deals for Helder Costa and Illan Meslier while Jack Harrison is enjoying a third loan spell at Leeds. Marcelo Bielsa’s men have also strengthened the Under-23 side, including Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood.

Llorente was asked about his new Spanish teammates and stated that a conversation with Hernandez proved to be crucial in convincing him to join Leeds. He also discussed Spain teammate Rodrigo, labelling him a “very good player”.

“I spoke to Pablo a few days ago,” Llorente said. “He spoke about the City, the team, he was an important factor – and the conversation in joining. Rodrigo is a very good player, he can help the team a lot, I am very happy that he is here with me.”

TBR’s view – Hernandez proving crucial on and off the pitch

Llorente is a coup. Getting a defender at that price, of his quality, is a bargain. Obviously, the Premier League and Marcelo Bielsa are enormous draws right now – but having Hernandez help get it over the line underlines the importance of the midfielder.

Not only has he become a crucial part of a Leeds side on the pitch as he continues to show that age is just a number, but he is proving to become a leader in the dressing room – and now he is even having an influence on transfers. A Leeds icon.