Leeds United have addressed the speculation surrounding the future of Wilfried Gnonto, following fresh interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia ahead of the winter transfer window.
The Italy winger is currently sidelined due to a calf injury, and hopes to recuperate and return to action in the coming weeks. However, the speculation surrounding his future at the club has reached fever pitch once it emerged Saudi Pro League clubs are plotting a shock raid to sign him in the winter window.
Leeds are already short of options in the final third due to the injuries to Gnonto and Daniel James, and cannot afford to lose any more players from their frontline in the middle of the season.
However, they cannot afford to ignore interest from Saudi Arabia as it is seen as a chance to make major money from player sales, which could boost their spending power in January and next summer.
Leeds United’s stance on Wilfried Gnonto clarified
Gnonto remains an important member of the Leeds squad, and the club are waiting for him to return to full fitness and get back into the team this season.
According to Leeds Live, there are no suggestions that Leeds are keen to sell him or that the player is considering leaving Elland Road in the winter transfer window.
However, a departure cannot be completely ruled out if the Saudi outfits are prepared to offer considerable money for the winger in the middle of the season.
Leeds wanted around £30m for Gnonto a year ago, following their playoff final defeat, and the price has not significantly changed since then.
If a club are prepared to offer a similar fee in the winter window, Leeds could be tempted into cashing in on the winger and book a huge profit in their books.
Should Leeds sell Gnonto in January?
Gnonto has struggled with fitness this season, and he is not a first-choice starter when Leeds have all their forwards fit to play, as it is clear Daniel James is ahead of him.
However, he is still a key member of the squad and is a creative talent in a squad devoid of many such players this season.
Selling Gnonto would be a gamble, and Farke would need assurances that the proceeds would be reinvested in the squad to upgrade in certain areas.
Leeds are keen to bring in one more winger and an attacking midfielder in January, and are interested in signing Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood.
Gnonto’s sale could free up funds to bring in the forwards that the Leeds manager wants in the winter window.
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