Despite speculation that Wilfried Gnonto could leave Elland Road this summer, he is scheduled to start the season with Leeds United.
On the current episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior journalist Pete O’Rourke reported that agreements for both Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville will be hard and time-consuming, with no immediate move planned.
This comes just after Football Insider stated that Everton are still planning a bid to sign the winger, although it remains unclear whether they can match his asking price.
Gnonto, 20, has been linked with a move for over a year and went on strike this time last year to force a deal.
Many will be surprised to learn that he is still at Leeds and will likely start the next season for them.
Gnonto has been a long-term desire for Everton after they failed to recruit him last summer, with Sean Dyche still trying to improve in the wide areas.
Following the arrival of Jesper Lindstrom, the club has shifted its focus to Leeds’ star, but little progress has been achieved in the negotiations.
Wilfried Gnonto anticipated to open the season at Leeds United.
Gnonto joined Leeds from FC Zurich in 2022 for £3.8 million, and he has since made 72 appearances for the club.
However, after their relegation from the Premier League in 2023, the winger has been heavily linked with a departure from the club.
Everton have been the most active in the hunt for his signature, but he has also been linked with a return to Italy, where he began his career with Inter Milan.
Last season, Gnonto appeared 44 times for Daniel Farke, scoring nine goals and contributing three assists as he emerged as a crucial player in the second part of the season.
That form has done little to dissuade Everton’s interest.
The Championship season begins in little than two weeks, on Friday, August 9, with Gnonto anticipated to be part of Farke’s team for their first game.
Given the finances involved and Leeds’ desire to keep him, any deal for the winger to leave Elland Road is likely to be completed near the end of the window.
