Wilfried Gnonto appears to be the most likely departure from Leeds United’s squad before the end of the transfer window, ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Portsmouth.
Almost since Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League in May 2023, Gnonto has been linked with a move elsewhere.
Everton had four proposals rejected for the 20-year-old last summer, and Leeds has now rejected another deal of roughly £23 million for him.
Leeds are not under any rush to sell, as they have previously sold Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville for large sums of money.
However, this will not prevent clubs from expressing interest in members of Leeds’ squad, including Gnonto.
Graeme Bailey discusses Max Wober’s potential Leeds exit.
Aside from Gnonto, Max Wober, Pascal Struijk, Illan Meslier, and Junior Firpo are among the players linked with other teams.
Wober’s story is undoubtedly the most intriguing of the bunch, having spent last season on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, who would have bought him permanently by now if they could afford the asking price, which is only allegedly £8.5 million.
However, because that is not the case, Wober has been reintegrated into Leeds’ squad ahead of the 2017 Championship season.
In his news conference on Thursday, Farke confirmed Wober’s commitment to the club, despite claims from Gladbach’s sporting director Roland Virkus that they may yet make a move.
Transfer analyst Graeme Bailey has spoken exclusively to LeedsUnited.News about Wober, claiming that he is more likely to depart than Gnonto, but that staying is still an option.
He stated: “It’s similar to Gnonto, but I believe Wober is more likely to go. I believe Farke stated that there is always the possibility that Wober will leave. If he thought he was going to stay, he’s probably already started.
“He is a fantastic talent; seeing him in the Championship would be incredible. It’s one of those situations where staying would be ideal. However, based on what I’ve heard, I believe he’ll go. But Leeds won’t let him go for free.”
What Daniel Farke said about Wober ahead of Leeds’ opening.
Unlike Brenden Aaronson, who has also elected to return to Leeds after departing on loan, Wober has yet to speak publicly since his return.
That issue was posed to Farke during his news conference on Thursday, and the Leeds manager was keen to shed light on some of the conversations he has had with Wober behind the scenes.
He stated, “He was a little longer involved in the tournament [Euros], it was more difficult, and we had a good conversation on the phone when he was playing for Austria.” Then I gave him 2.5 weeks off to cleanse his mind and come back.
“The conversation was that I wanted to be there and establish my worth. It’s usually the same: a player comes in with previous relegation experience and a reputation that may not be at the top level, such as Georgi or Illan last year. Everyone is now completely convinced and is singing their names.
“Max was careful not to be too vocal inside the group; he wants to adjust, particularly at the German training camp. We sat down after the first three weeks of training, and he immediately knocked on my office door, saying, “Boss, am I allowed to come in? I’m 100 percent convinced, I want to be here.”
“The same is true for Brenden; one good training session or game is not enough to bring back followers, but he has my support; he has been good in training; they will need a few weeks to go back to 100 percent.
“I have a hunch they can play a major role. He is trying to establish his worth. Let us not overemphasize it; actions are more essential than words.”
