A Leeds United player has agreed to rejoin the club he spent the last year with on loan, marking a third of Victor Orta’s eight-strong loan group resolving their futures.
Robin Koch and Luis Sinisterra have now permanently moved to Frankfurt and Bournemouth, respectively. This leaves Marc Roca, Jack Harrison, Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente, Max Wober, and Brenden Aaronson.
Phil Hay has reported that only two of these six players can return on loan. One of them is Harrison, a key player under Sean Dyche at Everton, who played a crucial role in avoiding relegation.
Llorente is expected to make a permanent move to Roma after hinting at upcoming news on Instagram. Kristensen and Aaronson are set to return, while Gladbach is struggling to afford Wober.
A recent update concerns left-footed midfielder Roca, who made 37 appearances for Betis during his La Liga loan. A Spanish report indicates that a deal has been finalized for him ahead of the summer transfer window.
Roca initially impressed at Elland Road but struggled, especially when USA captain Tyler Adams, who earned a £23m permanent move to Bournemouth, was injured midway through the 2022-23 season, leaving Roca exposed in midfield. The Spanish environment suits Roca better, and El Desmarque reports that he has rejoined Betis on another year-long loan.
Leeds’ failure to secure promotion in the play-off final allowed Betis to sign Roca on loan again, with an agreement in place between all parties, set to be completed by pre-season on July 8.
Marsch recently noted Roca’s potential and high ceiling, but he never fully realized it at Leeds. Roca was always more comfortable back in his home country, where he initially impressed.
Roca’s performance at Espanyol earned him a move to Bayern Munich, but he only played 24 games over two years. Thus, he struggled during his three years outside Spain and is now back in his home country.
Unsurprisingly, Roca has rediscovered his form, despite falling out of favor towards the end of last season. He will continue in Spain for at least another year, with his current contract running until June 2026.
