Willy Gnonto close to Everton as Leeds United transfer news drops, Aston Villa in background
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto is close to sealing his Elland Road exit this summer, with Everton finding an agreement, according to Italian outlet Sportitalia.
The 19-year-old is wanted by a number of sides this summer but it looks as if Sean Dyche’s Everton are winning the race for his signature, with Sportitella journalist Michele Criscitiello (10 July) claiming that the Toffees have an agreement worth around €22million (£18.8m).
And according to the outlet (10 July), taking to their personal Twitter account, Aston Villa remain in the background for his signature but he looks to close to wearing blue colours next season.
The tweeted: “According to what has been learned exclusively from Sportitalia, Gnonto will close his adventure at Leeds to play again in Premier League.
“The Italian full-back is in fact close to wearing the Everton shirt.
“Aston Villa remains in the background but now seems to be in the background.”
Leeds loss, Everton gain
When the Whites secured Gnonto’s signature back in the summer of 2022, many across the whole club expected this to be a signing for the future, with Gnonto said to be one of the leading figure of a new era at Elland Road.
However, Leeds United are now certainly suffering from the Championship plight right now with the club set to lose a number of its prized assets and Gnonto is certainly one of them.
The Italian wizard is a huge loss for the club and certainly, some fans will have loved to see him stay and continue his rapid development in the Championship, but his desire to remain in the England top-flight is understandable as his talents warrant such a stage next season.
Leeds United’s loss is very much Everton’s gain though, but given their plight right now, £18.8m for his services is actually a considerable profit from the bargain price they spent on his services last summer.
Incredible business from the Elland Road hierarchy, no matter how much it hurts to lose such a gifted talent after just a year.
In other Leeds United news, one Elland Road star has been offered a shot at redemption by new boss Daniel Farke ahead of their pre-season fixture against Manchester United.
