Leeds United effectively wrap up Willy Gnonto deal after Elland Road exit speculation
Leeds United have effectively wrapped up a new deal for Willy Gnonto, according to HITC journalist Graeme Bailey.
Speaking to Leeds United News on 20 March, Bailey reported that a contract is “virtually agreed” between the 20-year-old forward and the Elland Road hierarchy.
Gnonto’s existing deal doesn’t expire until the end of the 2026/27 season but Leeds have moved to get the in-form Italy international tied down to fresh terms ahead of anticipated interest in the summer transfer window.
“Yeah it was close I was told. Terms were virtually agreed with him. At the time Leeds didn’t think he was going anywhere. I think they will just sit down and assess in the summer again. It is all well and good agreeing terms with the reps and stuff, but the player has to sign it as well,” Bailey told Leeds United News.
“It helps now that he is looking a lot happier under Daniel Farke and where Leeds are going, so I think Leeds back in the Premier League with him, he’s good friends with Summerville, there is every chance if you go up he signs a new deal.”
Is Willy Gnonto staying at Leeds United?
All the signs suggest that Gnonto isn’t going anywhere this year.
After trying to force his way out of Elland Road to join a Premier League club last summer, the Italian seems to have matured a lot.
Daniel Farke will have certainly played a key role in Gnonto’s revival at Elland Road but the attacker still has a lot of work to do.
Despite how well Leeds have done this season, his tally of seven Championship goals in 30 appearances is slightly underwhelming.
Granted, he’s made a lot of his appearances from the bench but the bulk of those goals have come in the last month or so with him netting six times in the league since the start of February.
If he can sustain that form, stay in the starting line-up and help guide Leeds back to automation promotion, he might be within a shout of getting into the Italy squad for Euro 2024.
He then should be a regular starter for Leeds in the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have already started scouting a defender who plans to return to England in the summer transfer window.
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