‘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.

Gnonto has even considered changing his agent following the summer debacle and that should be a sign to supporters he is willing to put everything that happened in the summer behind him.

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