Willy Gnonto needs to force Leeds United exit as ‘huge’ offer verdict shared
Leeds United are demanding that a “huge offer” is submitted for Willy Gnonto if they are to even consider selling him, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Italian forward has been the subject of much speculation so far this summer, with The Daily Mail reporting on 16 July that the Whites had turned down a bid worth £15million from Everton for him.
Speaking to GiveMeSport on 7 August, CBS journalist Jacobs said Daniel Farke sees the 19-year-old as a key part of his plans to help guide Leeds back up to the Premier League.
“I think that Daniel Farke sees Gnonto as being quite vital to the project in terms of coming back up, so Leeds have been pretty bullish here,” said Jacobs.
“They’ve been pretty dismissive with Everton, which tells you that somebody is going to have to pay above market value to succeed on this one.
“As it stands, Everton haven’t come back and Leeds are planning for the player to remain at Elland Road for the season. Only a huge offer or a player-driven move to try and force an exit is looking like changing that at this stage.”
No pressure to sell
It’s absolutely right for Leeds to only consider selling Gnonto if they receive a hefty transfer fee for him because, unless the player is desperate to leave, there is no need to sell.
It doesn’t seem to be the case that the winger is trying to force a move through, though, as it’s incredibly unlikely he would’ve played in the game against Cardiff City if that were the case.
The teenager didn’t lack any enthusiasm in the clash at Elland Road either, so it looks like he’s happy to remain with the Whites until they receive an offer that correctly values him.
It’s also important for the club to think about what they would do with the money if they were to sell him. Would they be able to get a few players in? Possibly. But it’s very unlikely they would be able to get a replacement in with anywhere near as much quality.
You never know what can happen as the transfer window heads towards the final few weeks, but it looks like he will be staying in West Yorkshire unless someone shows they really want to sign him and make a big offer.
In other Leeds United news, a defender could be heading out on loan to the Bundesliga.