Leeds United are close to agreeing fresh terms with winger Wilfried Gnonto amid speculation of more interest from the Premier League, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 20-year-old has been the subject of speculation since the Whites’ relegation from the top tier last season. He was linked with a move to Everton throughout the previous transfer window, culminating in him handing in a transfer request in August. However, a deal was struck between the club and the player that saw him remain at Elland Road for the first half of the campaign.
With Daniel Farke’s team recovering from their poor start to put themselves in contention for an automatic promotion place, the Italian international has had to make do with a bit-part role. The majority of his 21 Championship appearances to date have come from the substitutes bench, although he did start last weekend’s FA Cup fourth round draw against Plymouth Argyle.
His lack of starts have led to further speculation that the former FC Zurich attacker could once again push for a move this month, but news has been consistent that Leeds will once again refuse to sell. The Yorkshire side are keen to retain as many numbers as possible in order to achieve their primary goal this season.
There has been more reported interest from the Premier League, this time from West Ham United, as well as from Serie A. However, it appears as if common ground has been found and Gnonto could be in line to sign an improved contract instead.
Various reports throughout the month have expressed that Leeds were keen to end the speculation by agreeing fresh terms with the player, and it looks as if a breakthrough has been made. According to Fabrizio Romano, an agreement is getting closer:
“Leeds’ priority will be to extend Gnonto’s contract,” Romano told Give Me Sport. “This is getting closer and would be fantastic news for Leeds. They’re pushing for the final details to be resolved as soon as possible and for the contract to be signed in the next hours or days. So, this is their priority.”
The youngster is already under contract until 2027 after signing a five-year deal when he joined in 2022 from Zurich. It’s unclear if the new deal will extend that stay or just improve his current terms.
Gnonto last started a league fixture against West Bromwich Albion at the end of December but will be hoping to be called upon when Farke takes his team to Bristol City on Friday night.
Writer’s View
It’s fair to say that the situation with Gnonto has been a messy one, and one that has dragged on for far too long. This conclusion is a real result for Leeds United.
The winger clearly has intentions of playing at the highest level and breaking back into the Italy squad, but the Whites feel that his best chance of that is to remain at Elland Road. There’s a very real chance that he could be back in the Premier League with his current club next season, where he will hope to make more of an impact than he did in his previous stint in the top flight.
