Leeds United won’t accept low-ball offers for Wilfried Gnonto as bidding war expected
Leeds United could see Wilfried Gnonto’s price tag rise to £30million if a bidding war breaks out this summer, Paul Robinson has said.
According to Caught Offside [17 July], a total of 10 clubs are interested in signing the 20-year-old winger, including the likes of Everton, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Wolves.
It is understood that the Whites will not accept any bid lower than £25million for Gnonto, as per TEAMtalk, with Napoli, Juventus, Como, AS Roma and Leicester City also vying for his signature.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson believes Leeds can drive the price up to at least £30m this summer, saying: “I’d like every player to stay, but staying in the Championship, the club have to cut their cloth accordingly. Players are going to want Premier League football and, financially, they’re not able to keep everyone.
“The good thing for Leeds is that they have three good players in Gnonto, Summerville and Rutter who are attracting attention from a lot of clubs. Since the Archie Gray sale and the Red Bull investment, Leeds are in a situation where they don’t have to accept low-ball offers.
“Farke would love to start the season with all three players but, realistically, he’s not going to.
“Gnonto had a situation at the start of last season, turned full circle to become one of the best players towards the end after stating he wanted to leave and didn’t want to play for the club again. That’s not a situation that the club want to be in again.
“The more clubs involved, the better for Leeds if they’re willing to sell him. They’ll get into a bidding war and will get more for the player. Gnonto is worth £25million at a minimum. Some clubs will push to £30million with add-ons.”
Leeds United expecting Wilfried Gnonto bidding war
With the youngster eager to return to the Premier League [The Boot Room, 16 July], it may just be a matter of time until Leeds agree a deal which sees Gnonto leave Elland Road.
He became an extremely useful asset towards the end of last season, notching eight goals and two assists, and even keeping the in-form Dan James out of the starting XI.
However, this is not the first time Gnonto has been linked with an exit, and with the Whites condemned to a second consecutive Championship campaign, his departure looks much more likely this summer.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have formed a good relationship with Bournemouth after a recent transfer announcement at Elland Road.
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