Leeds United are counting on Wilfried Gnonto to be that difference maker in the attack following the departures of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter this past summer transfer window.
The 20-year-old is off to a good start this 2024-25 season, recording two goals and four assists in 10 total appearances. The player’s progress and becoming a prominent figure for Leeds have increased his transfer value.
Gnonto arrived with the Whites in 2022 as a gamble for the future, and now, two years later, they are starting to see the winger scratch his potential. Since joining the Yorkshire side, the Italian has made 82 appearances while scoring 15 goals and recording 11 assists.
Wilfried Gnonto sees transfer value increase
CIES Football notes that Gnonto has been ranked as the highest-value player in the Championship. A new study estimates that the Leeds attacker would cost up to £34 million. Following him is Burnley’s Lyle Foster, whose value is placed at £17.5 million.
The forward signed a new four-year contract in the summer, keeping him at Elland Road until 2028 and becoming a key part of Leeds’ future.
Willy Gnonto has been ranked as the highest value player in the Championship.
A new study estimates the Leeds attacker would cost up to £34 million.
Burnley’s Lyle Foster was next at £17.5 million.
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— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) October 9, 2024
Former Leeds midfielder David Norris recently told MOT Leeds News, saying that the contract is designed to keep him motivated and that he should be developed into the team’s prominent player.
“I believe the new deal straight after the deadline is to keep him onside, as obviously he didn’t get his move,” Norris told the outlet. “I think now they are telling him he can be the main man, and I’m sure they can get the very best out of him now.
“It seems different to last year, I think his attitude has progressed, and it keeps his mindset in the game. Maybe the club wouldn’t have fully trusted him to keep his head in the right place if they had left his contract situation as it was, based on his behaviour in the past.”
If Leeds are going to earn promotion this season, it could fall on the shoulders of Gnonto to provide that scoring punch that the team will need to finish in the top two or go through the play-off process again.
