Leeds United transfer round-up: Willy Gnonto exit news, bizarre striker link
Leeds United have a massive top-of-the-table showdown with Burnley to come on Monday evening, but that has not slowed down the transfer talk.
Daniel Farke’s focus will be on events at Turf Moor on 27 January, but work is no doubt in full swing behind the scenes to strengthen the squad.
In order for that to happen, another player or two may yet have to depart Elland Road before the 3 February deadline.
Here, MOT Leeds News rounds up all the Leeds transfer talk from across the past 24 hours.
Willy Gnonto exit claim
Leeds United are now said to be open to offers for Willy Gnonto as the winter transfer deadline approaches, according to Justin Allen.
Allen, writing in the print edition of The Sun [27 January, Goals pull-out pg10], claims that Leeds are now open to selling Gnonto amid links with a move to Saudi Arabia.
In the report it is claimed that a “financially lucrative” move to the Saudi League could be on the cards for the Italian.
Leeds to splash millions after Nico Elvedi transfer update
Daniel Farke would strengthen his Leeds United squad with the signing of defender Nico Elvedi, Paul Robinson has said.
The Leeds manager wants to sign the Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back, as per BILD [3 January], having worked together during their time in the Bundesliga.
Robinson believes the Whites could secure a bargain deal for cheaper than that, with days left until the 3 February transfer deadline.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, he said: “He’s contracted until 2027 with Monchengladbach so there will be a fee, likely a decent fee.
“I think they’d have to pay between £5million-£6million, but at the top of the Championship, it’s a sound investment to get to the Premier League. He’d be a good addition to the squad.”
Leeds pay price as Bayer Leverkusen close in on double swoop
Leeds United sitting on their hands looks set to cost them as Bayer Leverkusen pursue deals for James McAtee and Emiliano Buendia.
Fabrizio Romano posted on X (27 January) that the Bundesliga champions have approached Manchester City over a loan deal for previous United target McAtee, with an option to buy included.
This comes after Leverkusen also launched a bid for Aston Villa attacker Buendia [Sky Sports Germany, 25 January], a player well-known to Daniel Farke who has been heavily linked with a switch to LS11.
The Whites’ interest in both players is no secret at Elland Road, and yet their lack of activity in solving their number 10 question could see both McAtee and Buendia head elsewhere before 3 February.
Sky transfer news baffles Paul Robinson as long-term offer emerges
Paul Robinson cannot wrap his head around Leeds United being interested in Hoffenheim striker Mergim Berisha.
Daniel Farke’s side have been linked with offering a long-term offer for the 26-year-old forward, as per Sky Sports Germany journalist Ben Hecker, with the option of making the deal permanent.
LeedsLive, however, have disputed the links this month, suggesting the Whites are unlikely to chase the player’s signature, even after Joe Gelhardt’s temporary exit to Hull City.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I can’t understand the link, in all honesty. Twenty-six years of age at Hoffenheim, one goal and one assist in 11 appearances this season, 10 appearances and no goals last season, and 14 in 25 before that.
“He’s not exactly prolific. Joel Piroe as a No.9 scores more in that position. Mateo Joseph is the best striker that Leeds have got, but he just doesn’t score goals. If they’re going to get a striker, Berisha is not the answer.“
In other Leeds United news, Gary Rowett has shared Oxford United’s stance on a Leeds-linked player.
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