Tottenham could look to sign Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds United in January
Tottenham could look to sign Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto in the January transfer window amid an upcoming availability crisis, according to Alisdair Gold.
Writing for Football.London (1 December), the reliable journalist reports that Spurs have previously looked at Gnonto for their attacking positions although a deal has never materialised.
But with Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic out for several months, Richarlison struggling with a groin problem and captain Son Heung-Min set to leave for the Asia Cup in early 2024, they have made an attacking signing in January a priority and Gnonto could be looked at again.
“Tottenham had plenty of options in their winger roles and then injuries hit with Manor Solomon lost for three to four months and Perisic for the season,” they wrote.
“Then Richarlison, who can play out wide or through the centre, was ruled out for a month earlier in November after requiring groin surgery.
“That has left captain Son Heung-min, Brennan Johnson, Kulusevski, Bryan Gil and Alejo Veliz as the only available attacking options for Postecoglou. Lo Celso could also push up into a more advanced role if needed.
“To make matters worse though, Spurs will lose their skipper as Son is set to feature for South Korea at the Asian Cup which runs from January 12 to February 10 in Qatar.
“That has made finding a new goalscoring creative attacker, preferably one like Johnson who could play across the front line a key addition for Postecoglou in the January window.
“The north London club have also previously looked at Leeds attacker Wilfried Gnonto, who can play across the front three positions, and after an ankle injury has not yet regained his starting spot in Farke’s side.”
Long month
We thought the summer was long when it cames to the transfer rumours surrouding Gnonto’s future at Elland Road, but January is arguably going to be even worse.
In the summer it was clear that the 49ers had no intention of letting Gnonto go as he was seen as a key member of Daniel Farke’s squad with our chances of promotion placed firmly on his shoulders.
But as the season has gone on that crown has been put on Crysencio Summerville’s head instead and Gnonto is battling for a place in the team, finding himself firmly behind the Dutch winger and Daniel James in Farke’s team.
Considering how hard he pushed to leave for the Premier League with Everton when he was seen as a key player, a potential move to a better team in Tottenham when he isn’t playing regularly is likely to appeal to him even more.
Speculation will be rife but the board and Farke will be trusted to do what is right for the team, and his loss may not be the worst thing to happen.
In other Leeds news, senior player nowhere to be seen in squad v Middlesbrough.