Leeds United’s aspirations to return to the Premier League next season may be hampered by the potential departure of several key players before the transfer window closes. Among the players likely to leave Daniel Farke’s squad is Willy Gnonto, whose exit appears increasingly probable.
According to the Daily Mail, Leeds United might need to generate around £100 million through player sales after failing to secure promotion back to the Premier League. This financial necessity persists despite a lucrative sponsorship deal with Red Bull.
Pete O’Rourke, speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, stated that Leeds are open to accepting substantial offers for Gnonto, Georginio Rutter, and Crysencio Summerville this summer. This decision comes even after securing a significant deal for Archie Gray.
Everton is reportedly in a strong position to sign Gnonto from Leeds. TEAMtalk reports that the Toffees believe they have a good chance of outbidding Newcastle United, who have recently shown interest in the Italian winger. Despite Leeds setting a minimum price of £25 million for Gnonto, Everton is confident they can finalize the deal. Sean Dyche’s team is reportedly in “concrete” discussions to secure the transfer.
Gnonto attracted interest from Everton last summer, but a move did not materialize. He and Farke had discussions to secure his future at Leeds for the 2023/24 season. However, the club’s failure to achieve promotion may lead to a renewed attempt by Everton to sign him this summer.
Reports suggest that Gnonto is keen on a move to Goodison Park, with his representatives maintaining a good relationship with the Toffees. Although some reports indicate that negotiating a transfer from Leeds to Everton could be challenging, other sources believe a deal might be concluded soon.
Kris Smith, a pundit for FLW’s Leeds United fan channel, is confident that Gnonto will leave the club this summer. He expressed hope that Leeds can secure a substantial fee from a club like Everton. Smith commented, “Given that the season hasn’t started this time around when the speculation started to build, I can see this saga getting put to bed with Gnonto leaving.”
He continued, “Unlike last summer, where we had already had him in our squad and he was starting up front against Cardiff. After refusing to play and being frozen out of the squad, he did get his head down and work hard to try and win the fans over and win Farke over.”
Smith noted the supportive atmosphere among fans during games, indicating that Gnonto had regained their favor by focusing on his performance. “The atmosphere in the ground, at least when I went, suggested that he was largely forgiven and forgotten about by putting it to one side,” he said.
Reflecting on last summer’s events, Smith added, “Off the back of turning down £25 million last season, I do suspect that Leeds will be looking for a similar sort of fee to part ways with him. I do think that Everton might be able to stump up that sort of money, given that they’re about to bring in some funds with Amadou Onana leaving.”
While Smith acknowledged it would be a loss for Leeds to part with Gnonto, he recognized the player’s desire for a Premier League move. “It would be a shame to lose Gnonto, but it probably is going to happen. I thought he would have been able to slip into Summerville’s role on the left, and really shine just as Summerville did. But Gnonto is quite clearly pining for a Premier League move – he has done for a year.”
In conclusion, Smith advised a pragmatic approach, stating, “For me, we just need to cash-in as soon as possible. Get the money we need so that we can replace him quickly.”
