Peter Lynch

Thu 16 March 2023 12:10, UK

Leeds United plan to keep Wilfried Gnonto at the club “at all costs” regardless of where they finish in the Premier League this season, according to journalist Mo Ibrahim.

Ibrahim, the English editor for Gianluca Di Marzio, reported that no club-to-club conversations have taken place for the winger.

Gnonto has been linked with a switch to Juventus as part of a deal that would see midfielder Weston McKennie make a permanent transfer to Elland Road, despite the Whites already having an obligation for the American.

“Leeds United will try to keep Willy Gnonto at all costs no matter what position they finish,” Ibrahim Tweeted. “No club-to-club conversations have taken place yet for the player.

“Been told Leeds are not planning on including him in the McKennie deal either. McKennie loan has a buy option which will become an obligation if certain conditions are met i.e. if Leeds don’t get relegated etc.”

Gnonto a must-keep

Gnonto has starred at Elland Road ever since arriving from FC Zurich in September 2022, terrorising some of the Premier League’s best full-backs with his pace and skill.

His versatility has also shone through, with the attacker essentially able to play anywhere across the front line for Leeds, particularly on both wings.

While the winger will undoubtedly want to add more goals and assists to his game, the 19-year-old has proven that a bright future awaits. He has tallies of two goals and two assists from his 15 Premier League appearances.

Leeds have only just recently lost fellow winger Raphinha to Barcelona, with midfielder Kalvin Phillips making a similar big-money exit from Elland Road not so long ago.

Gracia will be desperate for a similar situation with Gnonto, but avoiding relegation looks set to play a key factor in the club keeping hold of their star men for another season.

In other Leeds United news, one player at Elland Road wants to play European football and will be a cut-price target for Inter if Leeds are relegated.