Leeds United remain in ‘very strong’ Willy Gnonto transfer position – Carlton Palmer
Leeds United are in a very strong position for any Willy Gnonto negotiations this summer due to his contract that doesn’t expire until the summer of 2027, according to Carlton Palmer.
Gnonto, 19, enjoyed a standout first campaign in the Premier League following his move from FC Zurich for just £3.8million last summer despite the club eventually getting relegated to the Championship.
Calciomercato previously reported on 30 May that Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City were both interested in signing the Italian international this summer.
However, speaking to Football League World, talkSPORT pundit Palmer admitted that despite interest from several Premier League sides and their Championship status, Leeds remain in control of negotiations and the fee he could be sold for.
“Brighton, Crystal Palace, West Ham to name three Premier League clubs who are all interested in signing Leeds starlet Willy Gnonto,” Palmer told Football League World.
“Of course, when you get relegated, you understand that some players have to leave for financial reasons.
“Some want to go because they want to play in the Premier League, or top-flight football elsewhere.
“Leeds supporters will be disappointed to see Gnonto, who is an exciting talent, leave the club. Leeds are in a very strong position, though, because he’s currently under contract until the summer of 2027.
“So that puts them in a very strong position.
“Leeds have also set a fee of £30 million for a player who they paid £3.8 million for just over a year ago. So given the fee they are asking for the player, it’s clear they would like to keep him.”
Lucrative offer needed
Despite currently sitting on a contract until 2027, Gnonto looks destined for the Elland Road exit gates this summer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
With big hitters such as Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as interest from the continent, it is likely to prove too difficult for Leeds to resist the urge to cash in and make a substantial profit on the teenage live wire.
Although he has only been a Whites player for just under 12 months, there has been plenty in his performances to show that he has an extremely exciting future at the top of European football.
Leeds must look to be smart in the sale of Gnonto this summer, as they could use any funds to help reinvest smartly in their squad for the upcoming Championship season.
The 19-year-old’s agent said that any decision on his Leeds future would wait until after the Under-21 Euro Championships, while a final call will surely wait until a new manager is put in place.
One way or another, it looks likely that Gnonto’s future will be away from Elland Road next season.
In other Leeds United news, the club have been handed a boost to sign a Manchester United player this summer with Erik ten Hag likely to sanction his exit.