Phil Hay shares Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra transfer news at Leeds United
Leeds United defender Maximillian Wober is set to join Borussia Monchengladbach on a temporary basis, while the Whites remain to be tested by serious bids for Luis Sinisterra and Wilfried Gnonto, according to the Athletic’s Phil Hay.
Wober joined the ranks at Elland Road for £10m in January when he signed from Red Bull Salzburg but was absent from Leeds’ pre-season fixture against Monaco as he heads towards the exit door and the Bundesliga.
Everton do still want Gnonto, but any interest in either of him or fellow wide-man Sinisterra has yet transformed into a genuine bid. Yet there is a feeling of pessimism, with Leeds at the mercy of whoever comes in for their players this summer.
Explaining the Whites’ current position, Hay wrote: “Everton like Wilfried Gnonto but he played on the second half against Monaco – and was as tricky as Leeds remember him – and the advantage in trying to hold onto him is that his deal contains no relegation-related release clause.
“Nobody has tested Leeds over Sinisterra yet. In full health and flight these are names that would give Farke cause for optimism – assets easily good enough for the second tier. But Leeds have always been at the mercy of wondering who out there, if anyone, starts bidding for their players and when.”
A solution is needed
The Championship season begins in two weeks and Leeds United’s preparation has been far from ideal so far, with countless outgoings, a change of ownership at Elland Road already and possibly more to come.
But the ability to keep hold of both Sinisterra and Gnonto so far has been impressive, with the Whites standing firm in their valuation of the pair. However, if they are still expecting a bid to arrive or either player, time is running out to find a suitable replacement.
Anyone who the Leeds hierarchy have on their shopping list should either attacking talent depart Elland Road before the end of the window will likely become much more difficult to obtain once league matches are underway, with selling clubs reluctant to lose their talent.
Therefore, bids will have to be higher, and players will be forced to adapt to a new style and team while one of the most intense leagues in the world of football creates a whirlwind around them. With the season on the horizon the Whites must now aim to keep both of their wide talents at Elland Road, at least until January.
In other Leeds United news, Spanish striker Rodrigo was quick to react to the departure of Adam Forshaw