Leeds United are preparing for offers for several prized assets this summer, including Wilfried Gnonto, who has garnered interest from clubs in the Premier League and abroad, according to the latest reports.
Following the club’s relegation from the top-flight last year, Gnonto asked head coach Daniel Farke to leave the club prior to a fixture against Birmingham City in August. There was rumoured interest from the likes of Everton and Lazio and the Italian winger did not want to stay and fight for promotion in the Championship with the West Yorkshire outfit.
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Nevertheless, a deal never came to fruition with any suitors and Gnonto was forced to return to training after the 2023 summer window slammed shut with his tail between his legs. It took a while for him to regain his spot in the team but the forward eventually made 36 league appearances for Leeds United. In total, he played 1,654 minutes under Farke in the Championship which equates to roughly 45 minutes per 90.
However, Leeds failed to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, which has now left the club with a whopping £190 million in outstanding credit and £73 million of this figure needs to be paid by the end of the month. As a result, the board are desperate to offload certain players this summer to offset any debt. Gnonto is one of the club’s valuable assets.
According to a report from Africa Foot, via Leeds United News, top-flight side Nottingham Forest have submitted a £16.9 million bid for the 20-year-old as manager Nuno Espirito Santo looks to strengthen his squad this summer ahead of what will likely be another gruelling battle for survival.
Writer’s View
Gnonto currently has a transfer value of £13.5 million, as per Transfermarkt, as he still has three years remaining on his contract at Elland Road so Forest’s £17 million is certainly above market value and will be hard to turn down.
Furthermore, Leeds United need money and need it quickly. If the hierarchy are to back Farke in the summer window, the likes of Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville must be sold as soon as possible to prevent leaving any transfer business too late in the window.
