Wilfried Gnonto twist emerges as Leeds United could loan him abroad despite FIFA rules
Leeds United could still see Wilfried Gnonto leave the club on loan despite FIFA rules dictating only seven foreign loans per season, according to 1908.
Writing on their official website (14 August), the Dutch outlet report that FIFA rules state clubs are allowed seven international loan exits per season and Leeds currently sit on six.
Luis Sinisterra is wanted on loan at Feyenoord which would mean the Whites hit their limit, but Gnonto would still be allowed to leave as he is under 21 and that means he doesn’t count towards the limit causing the club a new problem as he continues to push for an exit.
“Under FIFA’s new loan regulations, which came into effect on July 1, 2022, a club can loan a maximum of seven players to a foreign club at the same time,” they explained.
“This applies from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. As indicated, Harrison was loaned to Everton by Leeds United today. This is a domestic rental agreement, which according to the regulations does not count towards the maximum number of mercenaries. It doesn’t matter that Leeds and Everton are not on the same level.
“As a result, Leeds has one spot left to rent out a player to a non-English club. Sinisterra perhaps?
“Then Leeds United still has the ‘issue Gnonto’. Feyenoord’s old target is quite at odds with his club and refused to take action this weekend.
“Leeds has indicated that it does not want to sell him, but even if Gnonto would be rented out before Sinisterra moves, this will not affect a possible rental agreement for the Colombian. Gnonto is younger than 21; according to FIFA regulations, these players also do not count towards the maximum number of seven players on loan.”
Madness
Leeds just can’t catch a break anymore and it now seems as though the chances of both Sinisterra and Gnonto leaving the club this month are growing.
The Italian has been pushing for a move and has even refused to play in the last two games, but the 49ers are adamant he won’t be sold this month and it will be interesting to see if they’re able to stick to their guns.
But this loan loophole seemingly gives everyone a way out and a way to get what they want. Gnonto could get a move another club, although it’s Everton that are pushing hardest, and the 49ers technically wouldn’t be selling him.
If we then got promoted it would give the club a chance to bring him back into the fold, although at this point he has burned all his bridges with the fans and most would rather see the back of him after his antics.
Either way, it means the opportunity for his exit is open until the very last minute and that will make for a nail-biting final few weeks of the window.
In other Leeds news, the 49ers want to keep first-team duo at Elland Rd despite transfer developments in the last week.