Victor Orta wants Leeds United raid for Willy Gnonto amid Elland Road transfer obsession
Willy Gnonto remains an “obsession” for Victor Orta and the former Leeds United sporting director has tried to take him to Sevilla, according to Vamos Mi Sevilla.
The Spanish outlet reported on their website on 20 February that the Italian attacker was targeted during the January transfer window as the ex-Elland Road club chief has looked to utilise his knowledge and contacts within English football.
Gnonto, 20, was one of the Spaniard’s Whites signings ahead of his final season at the club last term, and he has reportedly remained intent on raiding his former side to pick him up again, but it is believed the only way it will be possible is in the form of a loan if Daniel Farke fails to secure promotion.
Willy Gnonto impossible for Victor Orta if Leeds United promoted
It is perhaps no surprise that Orta has been hoping to land Gnonto for a second time since the young Italian was arguably the last success story he had in the transfer market for Leeds United.
Georginio Rutter has since become a star in the Championship but his big-money arrival in the Premier League last January was anything but a success, and while Tyler Adams, Max Wober and Luis Sinisterra all contributed last term their contributions were all knocked off course by injury before exits under respective clouds.
Prior to the New Year a departure for Gnonto, on loan at least, looked very possible given he was barely starting for Farke and had infamously wanted to leave in the summer.
But following an injury to Dan James he is one of a handball to step into the Whites line-up in 2024 and thrive, with Ilia Gruev and Patrick Bamford also hitting key form before the latter was injured once more.
A new contract for the Italy international suddenly appeared to be on the brink during the January window, although it is now a month since reports first emerged of a breakthrough and there has yet to be an announcement.
So whether his five goals since the start of the year have impacted on negotiations remains to be seen, but if he keeps up that scoring form it is unlikely Orta will get another sniff in La Liga.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit was left stunned by a “ridiculous” pair of Whites players live on air.
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