Why Willy Gnonto needs to follow Bruno Fernandes’ lead after ‘huge offers’ submitted
Willy Gnonto is the subject of transfer interest at Leeds United ahead of the winter window.
The summer transfer window cast focus on Leeds’ attacking concerns from an incoming point of view, though the winter period looks set to have a slightly different feel to it.
MOT Leeds News revealed that two Saudi clubs are preparing offers for Gnonto, who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League in previous transfer windows.
With that in mind, the Italian simply has to take a leaf out of the book of Bruno Fernandes after the latest transfer update.
Bruno Fernandes rejected offers from Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League has grown in popularity over the last few years, with several high-profile names making the move from the Premier League.
Gnonto has attracted interest from Neom and Al-Ittihad, who sit fourth and third in the league, respectively.
The latter had also made an approach for Fernandes at Man United, with a report from BBC Sport stating that the Portuguese international rejected “huge offers” to remain at Old Trafford, and, for the wider picture, in the Premier League.
At just 21 years old, Gnonto has an incredible career ahead of him, and to make the move to Saudi Arabia so early in it would be a big mistake, which has already emerged as an error for several promising talents.
While the Italian would likely benefit from a huge pay rise, he has the ability to play in the Premier League and showcase what he has to offer against some of Europe’s elite.
To give that up already would be a mistake for Gnonto, and he simply must follow the lead of Fernandes by rejecting any offers that come his way.
Which former Leeds players made the move to Saudi Arabia
If Gnonto were to make the move to either Neom or Al-Ittiad, he wouldn’t become the first player to have represented Leeds and play in the Pro League.
Several players have done that before, with Helder Costa the most notable.
The Portuguese winger joined Al-Ittihad on loan from Leeds in the 2022-23 season, and now finds himself in the Chinese division with Yunnan Yukun.
Other former Whites stars include Glen Kamara, Marcus Antonsson and Ezgjan Alioski, the latter of whom played for Al-Ahli in 2021.
Leeds-linked Josh Brownhill also ventured off to Saudi Arabia this season, showcasing how appealing the league has become in the last few years.
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