Phil Hay shares Leeds United transfer ‘contradiction’ after latest Wilfried Gnonto update
Leeds United are feeling contradicted as the transfer window nears its conclusion as they risk losing more players but also need more time to sign others, according to Phil Hay.
The futures of Wilfried Gnonto, Luis Sinisterra, Helder Costa and Tyler Adams must all be resolved before the 11pm deadline on 1 September, while Daniel Farke is also no doubt eager to find replacements.
After continuing their slow start to the season on the field with a 1-1 home draw with West Brom on Friday [18 August], Hay outlined the tricky position Leeds find themselves in.
“The contradiction of Leeds’ predicament is that they desperately need this window to close, to stop the draining swirl of half of their dressing room shaping to leave,” he wrote for The Athletic [19 August].
“They also desperately need the window to stay open, to give them new players, a shot in the arm and a fighting chance of stoking their season into life.”
Stand-off
Leeds will be among the busiest clubs in the country over the remaining fortnight of the window, with all eyes on Gnonto in particular after the young forward handed in a transfer request to force through a move to Everton [David Ornstein].
Sinisterra and Costa may also move on this summer, while Adams is on the verge of completing a move to Premier League side Bournemouth [Fabrizio Romano].
For all the talk of outgoing activity, however, Leeds could do with bringing in new players in a number of positions after beginning the 2023-24 season with two points from the first nine on offer.
The Whites have so far brought in Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow and Sam Byram, while a move for Max Aarons fell through late on earlier this month when he instead opted to join Bournemouth [Yorkshire Evening Post].
Farke will no doubt know which areas he wants to strengthen, but it may well be that the club are waiting to see exactly who leaves before they spend more money.
Ultimately, the longer the transfer stand-offs regarding outgoing players continue, the more unlikely it is any further cash will be injected into the squad.
For more Leeds United news, Gnonto has been urged by a former player to put the transfer speculation to one side and focus on helping the Whites.