Leeds United transfer news: Club in strong position as Willy Gnonto relegation clause update emerges
Willy Gnonto has no relegation clause in his contract with Leeds United after the club dropped down to the Championship last weekend, according to LUFCFANZONE.
Gnonto, 19, has enjoyed a standout campaign after signing at from FC Zurich for just £3.8million last summer.
The Telegraph previously reported (18 May) that the Italian international could be one of five first-team players who the club could be forced to sell in a £100million relegation firesale.
However, LUFCFANZONE, who broke the news of Mateusz Klich’s send of at Elland Road and had it later confirmed directly by Andrea Radrizzani on Twitter, have shared that Leeds will be able to demand a transfer fee for the attacker’s services this summer.
Taking to Twitter on Wednesday morning (31 May), they wrote: “Exclusive. Despite the clubs relegation, Willy Gnonto does not have any release clause in his contract – meaning that Leeds can demand a fee for the player rather than being forced to accept an offer.
“Gnonto understandably has many suitors from across Europe.”
Great news
After the club’s relegation to the Championship, many Leeds fans would have feared that Gnonto would be packing his bags on a cut-price deal this summer, however, this update changes the game completely.
Unlike the likes of Brenden Aaronson, who had a £25million relegation release clause attached to his signing last summer, it seems like Leeds could yet reap a decent fee for Gnonto’s services.
Several sides across Europe are likely to be highly interested in taking the teenager this summer after his breakthrough season at Elland Road, with Pep Guardiola reportedly “crazy” about the winger. [Tutto Mercato Web, 29 May]
However, this news will allow Leeds United to take the upper hand in any negotiations that take place this summer and hopefully drive his price up in a transfer auction.
Gnonto is still expected to leave Elland Road this summer, but if the club can reap a substantial fee, it could help them reinvest in several other areas of their first-team squad as they acclimatise to Championship football.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites want to sign one 13-goal forward this summer after an impressive European season.