Willy Gnonto wants Leeds United exit as Everton aim to ‘cash in’ on transfer amid ‘bargain fee’ belief
Leeds United are “under pressure to sell” Willy Gnonto and Everton are looking to “cash in” by completing a cheap deal for him, according to talkSPORT.
The 19-year-old is wanted by a number of sides this summer but Phil Hay reports in The Athletic (6 July) that the Whites remain “hopeful” he will stay for the new season.
However, according to talkSPORT the Italian international is looking to leave and the Toffees believe they can snap him up for a “bargain fee”, despite him not thought to be one of the players with a release clause in his contract.
Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla had reported that Gnonto is expected to leave but with an asking price north of £20million, via his website on Monday (3 July).
Aston Villa and Freiburg are both in the hunt for last-season’s deadline day signing from FC Zurich but Everton are pegged as leading the race.
Yet talkSPORT‘s update suggests he can go for next to nothing, with the teenager eyeing an exit and Leeds United needing a deal.
Their report on Friday (7 July) said: “Everton are hoping to cash in on Leeds’ Premier League relegation by snapping up winger Willy Gnonto.
“Italian speedster Gnonto is looking to leave Elland Road and the Toffees believe they can land the 19-year-old for a bargain fee.”
They note that he has interest in Serie A but wants to stay in the Premier League, where Chelsea have been following him as a target.
Surely not
Whether Gnonto stays or goes this summer is likely down to him as he certainly doesn’t seem to be lacking options for a move.
If he doesn’t have a release clause in his contract then Leeds United could play hardball and insist he is going nowhere, but having an unhappy player in the ranks for a promotion push when various of his teammates have gone doesn’t seem to do anybody much good.
If Daniel Farke and the new regime can convince him that a leading role in the second tier with an eye on an immediate return to the top flight is in his interest then they absolute should try to do so considering the quality he has already exhibited at Elland Road.
But if not then his departure would have to be added to the list of necessary evils that come as a result of falling out of the top flight, as a full Italian international simply doesn’t have to drop down a division if he doesn’t want to.
However, a “bargain fee” would be a major surprise without a clause that dictates it, and the only pressure the club could really come under would be from Gnonto himself.
There is no indication that is the case in terms of him agitating to go so surely the Whites would be hoping for a decent profit on a purchase of less than £5m a year ago [Daily Mail].
And Everton’s financial constraints are likely to make that a tricky one for them to negotiate, unless Leeds are prepared to sanction a staggered set of payments.
An exit might be unavoidable but another disappointing failure to get much in return if he goes would be a very unwelcome and unexpected development at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, “big money” players “want to leave” and Farke has a major transfer market job on his hands now according to one BBC pundit.