Expert hails ‘brilliant’ Leeds United deal after source’s £3m Willy Gnonto reveal
The deadline day signing of Willy Gnonto is “brilliant” for Leeds United.
That’s according to former Rangers and Scotland boss Alex McLeish, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Whites’ latest signing.
Leeds confirmed the signing of Gnonto on deadline day (1 September) after failing to sign Damba Dieng from Marseille.
Sources have told Football Insider (2 September) FC Zurich wanted £3m more than Leeds were willing to pay for the Italian forward, 18, before eventually buckling and agreeing a £4m deadline-day deal.
Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo are currently sidelined, limiting Jesse Marsch’s central attacking options.
McLeish was not surprised to see a striker arrive at Elland Road.
“Leeds have had this issue for a while now,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Ben Wild.
“I think a striker was always going to arrive, it was just a matter of who. Bamford is an injury concern but Rodrigo has been scoring the goals now he has been moved higher up the pitch.
“Gelhardt is a talent but maybe not ready to carry the burden of leading the line. Leeds have done remarkably well this summer.
“They have gone out and spent which is something they didn’t do last season. A striker signing was needed so it’s brilliant they got that done.”
The four-cap Italy international has scored once and provided one assist in 12 appearances this term.
His return last season, during which he played as both a secondary striker and conventional centre-forward, was 10 goals and five assists in 36 outings.
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