Journalist David Ornstein has reported that “quality” Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto is working towards ensuring his departure from the club this summer. The Italian teenager faces a tough road to a new club as his current outfit insist he is not for sale.
Wilfried Gnonto Hands Leeds United Transfer Request
🚨 Wilfried Gnonto submits written transfer request in attempt to secure Leeds United exit. Multiple Everton bids for 19yo rejected; most recent £25m including bonuses + sell-on. #EFC ready to table improved offer. #LUFC insist not for sale @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/FXprALp3O6
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 18, 2023
Everton in the Mix for Gnonto
Ornstein, who also wrote a longer update to Gnonto’s request for The Athletic, posted that Everton had offered £25 million to Leeds. That offer included bonuses and a sell-on for the Elland Road club, but an improved offer appears to be on the way.
Watch: How it went wrong – Leeds United transfer catastrophe explained
Gnonto featured in the opening game of this Championship campaign. Currently, however, the Italian “has been training alone,” according to Ornstein’s article, and he has made himself unavailable for squad selection in all of their upcoming matches.
Mixed Responses from Leeds Fans
Becoming a regular at Elland Road made Gnonto a favourite of supporters. During their first match, though, some fans of the Whites gave him treatment that could make the difficult situation irreparable.
Leeds Head Coach Making Situation More Complicated
Many Leeds players have relegation clauses that, thanks to their departure from the Premier League last season, allow them to pursue new clubs to join, which has given head coach Daniel Farke a challenging job – to assemble a squad capable of promotion.
Read More: ‘Crazy Developments’: Everton Sign ‘Important’ Summer Target After Medical Saga
That is out of Farke’s control, but what is within the German’s jurisdiction is the starting eleven. He has made it clear that “he only wants committed players in the squad.” A bold statement, considering Gnonto’s plea for a move away.
Helping Everton to a Comfortable League Position
Away from Elland Road, the Goodison Park faithful desire a less stressful year than in 2022/23. Close to relegation for much of the campaign, Sean Dyche is targeting new additions to Everton with the hopes of securing a comfortable mid-table finish. Gnonto, if allowed to leave by Leeds, could be a perfect player for Dyche.
Image courtesy of Joe Blackburn, licensed to Last Word on Sports.
