Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto is suddenly garnering a lot of attention, with Everton and Newcastle United among the clubs interested, and Leeds could take advantage of it.
The 20-year-old winger has had a rough year after attempting to force his way out of Leeds last summer. He refused to play for three games before being re-integrated into the starting lineup.
However, it took half a season, as Daniel Farke forced the Italy star to sit on the bench for the majority of the first part of the 2023-24 season. He was anticipated to leave Leeds during the summer.
It was unclear whether anyone would be interested, despite Gnonto’s entourage’s belief that he would go. This week, Everton and Newcastle were linked with a bid for the former Inter winger.
Leeds United should consider signing a left-back this summer, as Junior Firpo is the only senior player in the squad with a left foot. Sam Byram is an injury-prone backup, and Leeds must address that aspect of the roster. Especially with Firpo’s contract set to expire in 2025.
Leeds should either sell Firpo or offer him a new contract to avoid losing him on a free transfer. Firpo is ‘expected’ to leave, and the fact that the club allowed Firpo to attend the Olympics this summer rather than Mateo Joseph is an indication.
So Leeds must take advantage of the conversations with Newcastle. Leeds utilized the discussions with Tottenham for Archie Gray to sign Joe Rodon, and they should do the same with The Toon this summer.
Jesse Marsch wants Newcastle United’s left-back back in 2022.
Rewind to the summer of 2022, and Jesse Marsch has managed to keep Leeds in the Premier League. Raphinha and Jack Harrison’s victory at Brentford was due to their talent, not the American’s.
That summer, 90Min reported that Leeds coveted Matt Targett. The left-back had recently impressed at Newcastle on loan from Aston Villa for six months when Eddie Howe’s side agreed to pay £15 million to purchase Targett.
Targett was described as “outstanding” by Howe but dropped down the Toon pecking order last season owing to injuries. Targett is poised to leave Tyneside this summer after Lewis Hall accepted a permanent contract at St James’ Park.
Leeds should request Targett in Gnonto negotiations with Newcastle.
While Everton appear to be the favourites to sign Gnonto, Newcastle are also interested, and Leeds could try to negotiate a deal in which they sign Targett in exchange for the winger, considering Targett’s price has come down.
Leeds need a left-back, but they don’t need the money as much after selling Archie Gray. The Targett has 162 Premier League appearances and Championship experience with Southampton.
He would be an excellent addition if Leeds could renew their 2022 interest in the defender amid talks for Gnonto, so addressing their left-back concerns about Firpo, who is rumored to be interested in Real Betis.
