Fulham set sights on signing Leeds United ace Willy Gnonto amid growing exit speculation at Elland Road
Fulham have set their sights on signing Willy Gnonto from Leeds United, according to Dean Jones.
The journalist reported via the SportsLens website on 8 January that Gnonto, 20, tried to leave Elland Road in the summer after Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League and despite eventually backing down from his bid to leave, he’s struggled to be a regular starter for Daniel Farke.
Jones has been critical of Gnonto’s performance in his start against Peterborough in the FA Cup at the weekend, saying he “lacked the spark and enthusiasm that had made him such an exciting Premier League player last year”.
Now, it is understood that Fulham have set their sights on signing the Italy international and are keeping an eye on his situation at the West Yorkshire club.
If the price is right
Look, Gnonto tried to force his way out of Leeds in the summer and has failed to impress this season.
This is a kid who has mentally checked out of this football club so we might as well get rid of him while his stock is still high because the longer we keep hold of him, the lower his valuation will drop.
It remains to be seen what kind of money Leeds can demand for Gnonto but the fact that he’s contracted to Elland Road until 2027 is a positive in that respect.
However, if he continues to struggle to start for a Championship club, other clubs are going to cotton onto the fact that the Italian is becoming a problem child and won’t be so willing to shell out the big bucks.
Leeds, luckily, might not be paying too much for Gnonto as he was seen as a signing for the Under-21s when he arrived last season.
But he needs to pull his finger out because he’s the one who’s holding back his own career right now.
Fulham can have him but only if the price is right.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay says this player has decided to quit the Whites after talks over a new contract stalled.