Wilfried Gnonto to meet Daniel Farke as sources share new Leeds United transfer update
Leeds United winger, Wilfried Gnonto is set to meet Daniel Farke tomorrow as Leeds United aim to keep their brightest talent despite being the subject of early interest, according to Phil Hay of the Athletic.
Although there have been enquiries about the availability of the Italian winger, according to Hay this has yet to turn into genuine bids. Despite various reports that Everton had placed a bid over the weekend, sources close to negotiations deny that any formal offer has been made.
Gnonto, unlike a majority of the Leeds side, didn’t have any relegation release clause in his contract after a deal to sign him from FC Zurich last year was done late in the window with very little attention.
Therefore, Leeds are aiming to secure his services past the transfer window, with Hay stating: “The club genuinely see Gnonto as someone they can retain, potentially by tying him to a new contract.
“Leeds value Gnonto in excess of £15million and do not want to lose him anyway. Given the extent of financial fair play pressures at Everton, those with knowledge of their finances are not sure in any case if they could raise the necessary funds to seriously test Leeds’ resolve.
“Gnonto was given a later return date than most of the squad for pre-season training, on account of his involvement with Italy at the European Under-21 Championship. Gnonto was expected back at Thorp Arch tomorrow (Tuesday) to meet new manager Daniel Farke and begin preparing for the August 6 season opener at home to Cardiff City.”
Chance to step up
Gnonto’s first season in English football had plenty of bright moments littered throughout, and although his season petered out as United succumbed to relegation, it is far from unusual to see a young player struggle with consistency.
But the Championship is a step below, and Gnonto is an international quality player as demonstrated by his inclusion at the European Under-21 Championship. If he stays under Farke’s tutelage in England’s second tier, it may push his development on.
With Leeds’ business so far being much more about getting players out the door, rather than through it, existing players will have to step up to fill the void left by the likes of Rodrigo Moreno and Illian Meslier.
The absence of Rodrigo especially allows the opportunity for a player of Gnonto’s calibre, under the guidance of a manager who has won the Championship twice to step up and take the division by storm.
In other Leeds United news, the 49ers takeover of the Whites is set to be confirmed after weeks of waiting