FC Zurich will be keeping close tabs on Wilfried Gnonto’s future with Leeds United this summer, it seems. Following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League last month, the Whites are expected to lose a host of key names and Gnonto is one of those said to be attracting interest.
The winger enjoyed an eye-catching first season in the Premier League at Elland Road after making the switch from Zurich, scoring four goals in all competitions and establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in the English game. It came as no surprise to see his future in West Yorkshire being questioned following the club’s relegation from the top flight, then, with Manchester City and Arsenal being amongst those linked with his signature.
Leeds are thought to have paid an initial fee of around £5m to secure Gnonto’s services last summer, a price which was seen as a bargain at the time. But, according to the president of Zurich, Ancillo Canepa, the Swiss club included a substantial sell-on clause in the Italian international's deal.
Read more: The teenagers Leeds United can look to in the Championship amid expected squad exodus
As such, if Gnonto were to leave the Whites this summer, Zurich would be expecting a cash windfall from the deal.
“I’m sure Willy wants to continue playing in the Premier League. That has some revenue potential. I’ve always said that the transfer meets our expectations,” Canepa told Swiss news outlet Blick, via Sport Witness.
“The first part was cash. The second part is a fairly sizeable stake in an onward transfer.”
Canepa then went on to confirm the sell-on clause can be considered to be ‘exceptionally high’, and if that were to be the case Leeds would only collect a portion of any fee. That might just take some of the pressure off Leeds to offload Gnonto at a reduced fee this summer in the hope of maximising any potential earnings, if they were open to the idea of selling him, that is.
The teenager is one of several players to have been linked away from the club since Leeds’ relegation was confirmed at the end of May. Rumours have been circulating regarding the futures of Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson, while the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Jack Harrison and Marc Roca have already been linked with moves elsewhere, with the latter reportedly attracting interest from Barcelona.
Gnonto struggled to initially break into the first-team at Leeds and spent the first two months at Elland Road playing in the youth side. But, a breakthrough came in October, stepping off the bench to make a strong impression in a win over Liverpool at Anfield before starring in a 4-3 win over Bournemouth the next week.
He made a spot in the side his own after the World Cup break and goals against Cardiff City, West Ham United and Manchester United helped further endear himself to the Whites support.
READ NEXT:
Brenden Aaronson speaks out on Leeds United transfer after disappointing debut campaign
Leeds United 'face loan decision' with Brenden Aaronson future up in the air
Ex-Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch 'on Celtic radar' as Whites handed competition for target
Stars align on Leeds United transfer exit with timely incentive for relegation escape
How far Leeds United and their supporters will travel in 2023-24 season as long away days beckon
