Leeds United transfer news: Juventus eye Willy Gnonto deal as Weston McKennie move collapse springs ‘opportunity’
Juventus may now have an “opportunity” to sign Leeds United star Willy Gnonto thanks to the same relegation that “destroyed” the sale of Weston McKennie, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The American midfielder was due to make his loan move permanent had the Whites stayed in the Premier League, but after an unhappy half-season at Elland Road he headed back to the Allianz Stadium following defeat to Tottenham on the final day (28 May).
While the Old Lady’s hopes of raking in over £30million for the ex-Schalke man went out the window with the descent into the Championship, their interest in Italian teenager Gnonto remains, having “carried out a survey” on him already.
According to the pink paper in Italy the relegation could have created an opening for the Serie A giants to take advantage of by signing the Whites ace, who Phil Hay from The Athletic [The Phil Hay Show, 1 June, 23m] has named as one player the club want to keep hold of despite not beating the drop.
Circling
It is going to be tough to keep Gnonto at Elland Road if clubs the size of Juventus make their interest concrete, with Premier League giants also having taken a liking this season.
His age gives him plenty of time to continue his ascent towards the top, and there is every reason to believe he would be star in the Championship.
But if it was a surprise that he was playing at FC Zurich despite being a full Italian international when the Whites snapped him up last summer it would be doubly-so if they can retain him after his talent was put on display in the Premier League.
Gnonto looked every bit the fan favourite as he starred earlier this season and joined in wild celebrations with his teammates even from the bench.
But after being confusingly relegated to afterthought by Javi Gracia his season somewhat fizzled out as Leeds United collapsed under the Spaniard and never fully found their groove again under Sam Allardyce.
If a market develops for him then the Whites are in line for a decent profit on the £3.8million [Daily Mail] they spent last September, but convincing him to stay and be a leading light in the promotion push is likely to be preferable to most of the fanbase.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared a “surprise” update on two more players who appear set to join the Elland Road exodus this summer.