Leeds United player the subject of interest from “cash-rich” division
Leeds United striker Wilfried Gnonto has solid interest from numerous teams in Saudi Arabia in January.
According to Football Insider, the winger has suitors from a number of clubs playing in the “cash-rich” Middle East.
Gnonto has been a vital role in Daniel Farke’s side thus far this season, with the squad battling for promotion to the Premier League.
The Italian has produced four goals and five assists from 25 appearances in the Championship so far this term.
Wilfried Gnonto transfer latest
Gnonto’s future has been the topic of debate since the summer of 2023, when Leeds were relegated from the Premier League.
Uncertainty over his future has emerged again in January, with various teams from Saudi Arabia now apparently circling.
The Whites retained the 21-year-old despite interest from top level clubs like as Everton, with the Toffees making a £23 million approach last summer, as reported by The Athletic.
However, despite such attention, the Yorkshire outfit have been managed to fight off any chases from higher division teams.
Gnonto even signed a new agreement as recently as August 2024, keeping him at Elland Road until 2028.
However, interest from Saudi Arabia may complicate things, with the Whites seeking to retain the player for the second half of the season.
Wilfried Gnonto’s significance to Leeds
Leeds are seeking to secure their spot back in the Premier League at the second attempt, having barely lost out on promotion last year.
Gnonto struggled in Farke’s debut year in command, only starting 19 of their 46 regular league games as the club ended third in the standings.
However, he has already started 20 of their first 26 matches this campaign, establishing himself as a crucial role after Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter’s exits in the summer.
Next up for Leeds in the league is a home encounter against Sheffield Wednesday on 19 January.
Gnonto sale is a non-runner this January
The new deal Gnonto signed in August means it’s quite unlikely Leeds cash in on the player this month.
It would have to cost a significant amount for the Whites to even contemplate a departure considering how vital he’s been this season.
It is doubtful any Saudi Arabia team would be seeking to provide massive quantities in a transfer fee, since they have generally sought big salaries and cheap sums, save in just a few select circumstances.
Gnonto is far more likely to move in the summer, and only if Leeds fail to achieve promotion again this year, else he is undoubtedly set to remain.
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