Wilfried Gnonto now ready to quit Leeds United as billionaire chase begins
Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto is “open to the idea” of returning to Italy amid interest from a number of billionaire Serie A clubs.
According to 90min on 22 March, the 19-year-old is wanted by billionaire-owned Italian clubs Juventus, AS Roma, AC Milan and Atalanta, as well as Serie A leaders Napoli, this summer after an impressive debut season in England.
All five clubs are heavily backed by very wealthy owners, and look set to battle it out for Gnonto’s signature this summer.
“Despite signing a five-year deal at Elland Road, Gnonto could be set to leave the club after just one season as 90min understands the forward is attracting interest from a number of Italian clubs,” according to 90min.
“Juventus, AS Roma, AC Milan, Napoli and Atalanta have all kept a close eye on the Italy international’s progress in recent weeks – weeks in which Gnonto has provided two assists in two positive results for Leeds.
“Sources have told 90min that Gnonto is open to the idea of moving to a Serie A club, having never actually played a senior game on the peninsula. The forward came through the Inter youth academy – having signed for the club when he was nine years old – but moved to FC Zurich in 2020, where he made his senior football debut in an October win over FC Vaduz in the Swiss Super League.”
Let the battle commence
Gnonto’s status has risen rapidly, in large part due to his club displays at Leeds, but also on the international stage with Italy. He has one goal and one assist in his eight appearances for his country so far.
Those efforts came against Germany in the most recent Nations League campaign, which also saw Gnonto feature in the two meetings with England.
While Leeds will be eager to keep hold of their young star, they are seemingly destined to see him leave Elland Road this summer, in a very similar situation to former star Raphinha.
Another hugely talented winger, the Brazilian was constantly scouted by major clubs during his time at Leeds before finally making a switch to La Liga giants Barcelona last summer.
The one silver lining for the Premier League side will, of course, be the fee that Gnonto could go for, with Leeds receiving £55m for Raphinha.
And given the finances available at each of the five interested Italian clubs, Leeds could be in for a similar windfall should they sell Gnonto.
Serie A giants Juventus are backed by Andrea Agnelli & family, worth £11.4billion according to the Metro, while AC Milan were recently bought by RedBird Capital Partners for €1.2billion.
In other Leeds United news, Gnonto could start in Italy’s upcoming match against England after an admission from manager Roberto Mancini.