Sources: Big update on Wilfried Gnonto’s Leeds United future
Leeds United will likely be forced to sell star winger Wilfried Gnonto if they are relegated to the Championship, sources have told Football Insider.
The 19-year-old is viewed by the Whites as a top player with the potential to improve even further, and top clubs from around Europe have taken notice following his breakthrough season in the Premier League.
Gnonto is chiefly attracting interest from Serie A sides, with his senior caps for Roberto Mancini’s Azzuri side helping grow the youngster into a high-profile talent in his native Italy.
The 10-cap ace is also being monitored by several Premier League sides following his impressive performances for Leeds in the top flight this term.
Gnonto, who earns a reported £20,000-a-week at Elland Road, signed a five-year deal at Leeds following his move from FC Zurich in the summer of 2022.
Football Insider revealed on 20 January that the Whites are likely to end up paying over £10million for his signature after a series of achievable bonuses and add-ons were inserted into the deal.
Leeds accept that keeping hold of Gnonto could be difficult – particularly if they are to drop back to the second tier.
It is believed that the Yorkshire club will demand a fee north of £40million for him to leave this summer.
The winger has notched four goals and three assists across 23 appearances for Leeds this season.
However, since Javi Gracia was appointed the club’s new manager, Gnonto has mostly been limited to a place on the bench.
Leeds sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the drop zone.
The Whites have lost four of their last five games ahead of their crunch meeting with 17th-place Leicester on Tuesday (25 April).
In other news, new Leeds United deal on the cards after £26million twist.