Willy Gnonto absence and transfer probability explained as Leeds United star linked with Everton - YEP 12/7/23
Willy Gnonto has not travelled with the Leeds United squad to Norway for the club’s first pre-season friendly of 2023/24 but that is due to his involvement at the Under-21 European Championships last month.
By Joe Donnohue
Gnonto’s absence is unrelated to links originating in Italy
this week which have suggested he will join Everton in a £22 million transfer.
The YEP understands Leeds are yet to receive a bid from
Everton but their resolve to keep Gnonto will be tested this summer, whether by
the Toffees or another top flight club in Europe.
Following his participation with Italy’s senior side during
their UEFA Nations League fixtures last month and involvement at the Under-21
Euros, Gnonto has been granted additional leave by Leeds in order to rest and
recuperate ahead of pre-season testing and training.
The majority of Leeds’ squad, predominantly made up of
non-internationals, returned for pre-season on Monday, July 3, while a second
tranche of players reported back on Monday, July 10, including Max Wober,
Daniel James and Rasmus Kristensen.
Gnonto, along with Crysencio Summerville, Charlie Cresswell,
Illan Meslier and Rodrigo Moreno are among those yet to return, having
represented their countries over the summer break.
Reports in Italy this week claimed Gnonto was the subject of
a £22 million offer from Everton, however sources with knowledge of the
Merseyside club’s financial situation suggest an upfront payment for the Leeds
winger is out of the question given the Toffees’ struggles with Financial Fair
Play (FFP).
Leeds anticipate approaches for the teenage winger but with
no release clause in his existing deal which runs until 2027, the club are in a
position to drive a hard bargain with interested parties. Leeds could feasibly
insist on a sizeable cash payment to secure his services, as opposed to a
transfer which is paid in instalments or a loan with an option-to-buy.
Despite the claims from Gnonto’s homeland, there is
scepticism that the Italy international would even be interested in a move to
Goodison Park, where there is a realistic prospect of another relegation battle
given the collective quality of the Premier League and Everton’s reported
inability to spend this summer.
Sean Dyche’s side have most recently been linked with a free
transfer for Ashley Young following the 38-year-old’s departure from Aston
Villa, and recently extended Seamus Coleman’s contract by a year.
Gnonto is likely to attract interest from Italy’s top
flight, however financing a move may prove a stumbling block for Serie A clubs.
Leeds remain hopeful they can persuade the 19-year-old to
remain at Elland Road where he could spearhead an assault on the Championship
title, before bouncing back into the Premier League.
