Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Wilfried Gnonto could end up being the ‘bargain of the season.’ Gnonto joined the Whites from FC Zurich on deadline day in a deal said to be worth in the region of £4 million.
The 18-year-old was into the final 12 months of his contract at Zurich, which allowed Leeds to pick him up for a cut-price. Gnonto has already been capped four times by Italy, scoring and assisting one during those matches – both of which came against Germany.
While Jesse Marsch has already labelled Gnonto as a long-term project, the young attacker has already amassed more international appearances than the likes of Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt, both of whom are currently ahead of him in the pecking order. His international pedigree, though, suggests he could make an impact at some point during the season.
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It is for that reason Whelan thinks Gnonto could end up being a very smart pickup for Leeds. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “The fact that he’s a full Italy international just shows how highly he’s rated.
“Leeds United went in for him, he’s 18 years old – it seems like he could be a real bargain, perhaps even the bargain of the season. From what people are saying on the training ground, he’s very bright, lively, strong, quick. He could be good value for a few goals in the first team this season.”
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