Leeds United’s preparations for the upcoming Championship season have received a significant boost as Willy Gnonto’s departure from the club seems further from being finalized than initially anticipated, writes the FLW.
The Italian winger, who joined from Zurich in 2022, made his Premier League debut in a remarkable 2-1 victory against Liverpool last season, becoming an increasingly important part of the first-team setup, despite the eventual relegation of the Whites.
As the club’s key first-team players seek moves elsewhere ahead of the new season, speculation has been rife regarding Gnonto’s future destination. However, renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided some encouraging news for Leeds fans, revealing that the player’s fate is yet to be decided.
Romano disclosed that Leeds may face a less challenging battle than previously expected in their efforts to retain the services of the talented Italian attacker. Despite Inter Milan and Everton, among others, being linked with Gnonto during the transfer window, it appears that Leeds have not yet received any official bids for the winger. Romano also mentioned that Everton is now focusing on different transfer targets, possibly giving Leeds a clearer path to keeping Gnonto at the club.
Romano stated in his CaughtOffside column, “Everton likes Gnonto, but they’re focused on different players now. I’m sure Leeds are trying their best to keep Gnonto; they want him to stay and be one of their stars next season. It will depend on the strikers domino in the Premier League, but at the moment, it’s a bit quiet on this one.”
Gnonto is still under contract with Leeds for the next four years, giving the club a strong negotiating position if they decide to sell one of their key assets. Everton had reportedly made a £15 million offer for the winger earlier in the window, but it seems that Leeds value Gnonto at a higher price, likely above £20 million, which is justifiable given his impressive breakthrough season last year.
Last week, Football Insider reported that Everton remains at the forefront of the race to sign Gnonto, with Leeds apparently coming to terms with the possibility of his departure in the coming weeks, as they brace themselves for a challenging season in the Championship. However, the absence of a relegation release clause in Gnonto’s contract significantly strengthens Leeds’ position in potential negotiations.