Leeds United wrapped up their pre-season in impressive fashion on Saturday, beating Augsburg 4-0 with their Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest now only a week away.
The focus will now shift back to the transfer market, with the club still looking to strengthen several areas before the window closes.
Daniel Farke wants to add more quality to the squad while also planning for the exits of several players who are expected to leave Elland Road this summer.
Another striker remains a key priority, but Leeds first need to settle Joel Piroe’s future. The Whites are unlikely to bring in another forward until they know whether the Dutchman will remain at the club or move on.
Read More: Leeds United exit gathers pace as club close in on next summer signing
Leeds United injury blow threatens to blow up the transfer window
The Whites are close to finalising the arrival of defender Nico Elvedi, with Sebastiaan Bornauw set to undergo a medical ahead of joining Hamburg from Leeds today.
Leeds are also in the market for a striker, but that would require the departure of Joel Piroe, whose agents have the Whites to compromise on their asking price.
They are also in the market for another attacker who can operate on the wings. However, that may need the sale of one of their wingers this summer.
And Wilfried Gnonto is the player who has been expected to leave after becoming a squad option from the bench last season.
However, the Italian’s departure is now no longer a guarantee after he picked up a hamstring injury.
The winger missed Leeds’ win over Augsburg on Saturday and is now unlikely to be fit for their opener against Nottingham Forest next weekend.
However, more importantly, the hamstring injury may prevent him from leaving the club before the end of the transfer window.
With little over two weeks left in the window, Gnonto may not be fit in time to undergo the medical needed to join a new club this summer.
Leeds may not sign Igor Paixao or another winger if Wilfried Gnonto does not leave
Igor Paixao has been heavily linked with a move to Leeds this summer amid Marseille’s financial problems, which need them to sell players.
Leeds are not willing to meet Marseille’s £43m asking price and believe the French giants will be forced to accept a lower figure closer to the transfer deadline.
However, Leeds need Gnonto’s sale to make a move for Paixao as they need to free up space to sign one more wide attacker.
The 49ers may not sanction a move to sign Paixao, even if the price comes down, if Gnonto or another wide man is not sold before the end of the transfer window.
