Willy Gnonto and Illan Meslier among four Leeds United players who could be sold this summer
Phil Hay has named four players he believes Leeds United could be set to sell this summer to bring in transfer fees.
The Athletic’s Whites correspondent told the Square Ball on 8 June that he expects the club to “take the money” for star winger Crysencio Summerville, and that fellow wide man Willy Gnonto is also a candidate to leave.
In addition he named goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a possibility, while claiming there would “almost certainly” be a willing buyer for left-back Junior Firpo in Spain.
Leeds United are faced with sacrificing some important first-team players after failing to gain Premier League promotion, with substantial past transfer fees also still payable [The Athletic, 29 May].
Hay said (13m 5s): “Yeah I think they’ll take the money for Summerville, I do think he’ll go. I’d put Gnonto on the list of people that would potentially as well, [and] Meslier.
“I always think with Firpo you could almost certainly find a buyer in Spain.”
Leeds United to take Crysencio Summerville money, Junior Firpo may go too
The unfortunate reality of the play off final defeat to Southampton and the ultimate failure of the season-long push for an immediate return to the Premier League is some players will have to go.
Money secured from a major new sponsorship deal with Red Bull will help Leeds United deal with profit and sustainability concerns.
But a largely-top flight wage bill and the fees that are still payable as a holdover from the Andrea Radrizzani-Victor Orta regime seemingly require sales either way.
Summerville is widely reported to be wanted by a host of Premier League sides after an award-winning campaign in the second tier, while Gnonto was heavily linked to a move last summer when he attempted to push through a move to Everton.
Firpo demonstrated the wisdom of having a left-footed left-back as he returned from one of his many injury absences to deliver some excellent assists last term, but those fitness concerns might make it worthwhile to sell if there is a club willing to spend decent money on him.
Meslier has long been linked to a move to a top English club but it would have to go down as a surprise if there was a large offer on the cards for him given his form in the past couple of years.
At the same time he is uniquely experienced at a high level for a 24-year-old (107 Premier League appearances) and it only takes one side to be interested.
Fans would likely be willing to take the hit on the four mentioned if it means the club can keep hold of homegrown sensation Archie Gray, whom Hay suggested it is unclear whether he will stay or go as yet.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites want to snap up a key attacking signing who is set to leave his current club.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.