‘My knowledge’… Phil Hay shares how much Leeds United really turned down for Willy Gnonto in the summer — Leeds United News 20/1/24
Danny Bloomer
Leeds United attacker Willy Gnonto was the subject of
intense transfer speculation in the summer.
Having completed pre-season and the opening game of the
campaign without a fuss, Gnonto then all of a sudden made his desire to leave
apparent by refusing to play and handing in a transfer request.
Everton were the side pushing hardest for the 20-year-old
and were even reported to have had four offers turned down by the Whites
throughout the summer.
Leeds made it clear they had no intention of letting him
leave and the lack of release clause in his contract meant San Francisco 49ers
Enterprises were in a good position to stick to that.
Everton are said to have had an offer of around £25 million
turned down for Gnonto on deadline, but speaking on the latest episode of the
Square Ball Podcast, Phil Hay has shared the actual amount.
Hay shares how much Leeds turned down for Gnonto
He said: “You always wonder with Gnonto because he was so
clear in the summer that he wanted to go and he made no secret of that. If he
could’ve gone, he would’ve. But I don’t get the vibes from Farke that he’s
expecting that to happen.
“I would have to look back but to the best of my knowledge
it was around £15 million – £20 million. I don’t know how this season would’ve
affected Gnonto’s valuation.”
There has been talk that Gnonto could be on his way to West
Ham this month, though it is unclear what sort of fee is being discussed.
However, the Daily Mirror have since reported he is not a target.
Given Gnonto’s season so far, it is unlikely that clubs will
want to offer a similar amount to what was on the table in the summer. Leeds
should be looking to keep him anyway.
