Diego Llorente is ready to make his debut at Sheffield United after Marcelo Bielsa again proved central in a major Leeds United transfer.
The Spain international has declared himself fit and ready to play at Bramall Lane on Sunday after signing his four-year contract at Elland Road.
Real Sociedad agreed to sell the 27-year-old on Tuesday for a little over £18m and Llorente soon agreed terms with director of football Victor Orta because of Bielsa’s influence.
The Whites head coach has been a consistent theme in the new players arriving in West Yorkshire during this transfer window.
Bielsa, who proved such a popular figure in the Basque Country with Athletic Bilbao, was one of the major attractions for Llorente, who has lived in that region since 2017.
“The coach has been an important factor to be here,” Llorente told BBC Radio Leeds. “I can learn a lot from him and improve my football. It’s an honour for me to play for Marcelo.”
Robin Koch and Liam Cooper played their first match together at the heart of the Whites defence last weekend against Fulham.
Despite conceding three goals, history would suggest Bielsa now sticks with that pair for the foreseeable future and Llorente may have to bide his time.
The Spaniard made sure there was no doubt he was ready to play, however.
“It was a difficult few days for me with a change in very little time, but I am always ready to help the team. I am always ready to help the coach if he wants me to play right now,” he said.
Pablo Hernandez also proved an important broker in making the transfer happen. The Spaniard spoke to his compatriot on the phone a few days ago about the club and the city.
“With Pablo, I talked with him a few days ago,” said Llorente. “He talked to me about the city, the team, he told me how it was in the team.
“It was an important factor for me, this conversation with him.”
Llorente’s career has remained in Spain up to this point. He came through Real Madrid’s youth system before moving to Rayo Vallecano, Malaga and Sociedad for more playing time.
At 27, with the peak of his career imminent and more Spain caps to be won, the defender feels moving to Leeds will be the best decision of his life.
“This step is very important,” he said. “I am doing the right thing. I come to the Premier League, I hope to help my team-mates and improve my football.
“I want to learn very much from the coach. We will do a great season and I will do the best I can.”
He added: “For me, for my family, it was a difficult decision. We have travelled to other countries, but I am hopeful to be here.
“I am taking the best decision of my football career and this is important.”
