Wilfried Gnonto: Pundit hails ‘huge’ Leeds United development – ‘massive statement’
Leeds United will make a “massive statement” by agreeing a new contract with Wilfried Gnonto.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie admitted that the 20-year-old will leave Elland Road eventually, but will remain if the Whites get promoted this season.
The club have reportedly prioritised extending the Italian’s contract, whose current deal is set to expire in 2027.
Gnonto has not been a mainstay for Daniel Farke this season having made just eight starts in the Championship and bagging two goals in all competitions.
However, he is a high-value asset to the Yorkshire giants, who batted away bids from Everton in excess of £25million in the summer.
McAvennie suggested Gnonto will have a decision to make in the summer regarding his future, but a bumper new deal upon a return to the Premier League would be enough to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.
“It puts out a massive statement,” he told Football Insider.
“It shows other clubs that Leeds are good enough to keep their best players.
“Let’s be honest, there’s not a bigger club in the Championship than Leeds.
“They’re huge. But Gnonto will leave eventually.
“If they get promoted this season, he’ll stay.
“However, if they don’t, they’ll most likely sell him.
“I’d want to stay until the end of the season and help Leeds get back up.
“Either way, Gnonto will have a decision to make because the club will be able to offer him big money if they go back up.”
In other news, Sources: Leeds United line up contract talks with first-team star as exit decision made.
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