Saudi Arabian clubs ready Willy Gnonto approach in Leeds transfer raid – Exclusive
Willy Gnonto is attracting interest at Leeds United ahead of the January transfer window, MOT Leeds News understands.
Gnonto is going through a strange period in his Leeds career, with Daniel Farke seemingly not overly keen on the Italian youth international.
While Gnonto has started three of the four games he has been available for this season, Farke often utilised him from the bench in the Championship.
Dan James is ahead of him in the pecking order at Elland Road, with Noah Okafor’s spot cemented on the opposite flank, leaving questions as to where the 21-year-old truly stands.
While that will come clear in the next few months, Gnonto is attracting transfer interest.
Two Saudi clubs named as Willy Gnonto move on the cards
Despite Gnonto’s injury status, he is still one of the highest-valued players at Leeds United.
In 46 appearances he made across all competitions last season, Gnonto scored nine goals and registered six assists, which placed him among the most effective attackers in the Championship.
Now, MOT Leeds News understands that PIF-owned Saudi Pro League sides Neom and Al-Ittihad are readying a winter approach for the 21-year-old, having shown an interest in previous transfer windows.
Gnonto’s contract at Elland Road runs until June 2028, and with just under three years left on that, Leeds are under no pressure to sell.
However, after the 49ers bemoaned the lack of PSR wiggleroom in the summer when explaining their failure to secure attacking arrivals, there is a feeling that the Whites could cash in on the Italian should an appropriate offer be made.
- Read more: Brenden Aaronson tops crucial Leeds United stat, Daniel Farke’s decision may have substance
Daniel Farke faces Willy Gnonto decision
Daniel Farke will be well aware of the quality possessed by Gnonto, but with Saudi interest circling, he will have to show him where he truly stands at Leeds in the Premier League.
Given the finances involved, and an inevitable pay rise should he make the move, Gnonto will almost certainly need guarantees over regular playing time.
- Four appearances
- Three starts
- One chance created
- 82.1 per cent pass accuracy
- 0.23 xG + xA
Gnonto hasn’t been at his best this season, though, given the fixtures he has been involved in and the injury preventing his progress at the moment, his quality will shine through in due course.
As for Leeds, it remains to be seen what their stance on a sale would be, given the fact that it would open up the door for them to bolster their squad elsewhere, depending on the position they find themselves in come January.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@motleedsnews