Leeds United: Potential Willy Gnonto exit from Elland Road debated as Feb 3rd looms | OneFootball

FLW's Leeds United fan pundit discussed reported transfer interest in Willy Gnonto

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Leeds United have been backed to retain the services of Willy Gnonto, who has earned reported interest from several clubs throughout Saudi Arabia this month.

With less than a week to go until Monday's transfer deadline, Daniel Farke will likely be bidding to retain the club's prized assets as he looks to take Leeds back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

Leeds have delivered on expectation after falling agonisingly short of an instant top-flight return by losing out in last season's Championship play-off final to Southampton. The Whites have largely set the tone in the second-tier this season and are leading the way after 29 matches, with a three-point gap over third-placed Burnley.

Transfer interest in Leeds United's Willy Gnonto

Gnonto's future is a routine talking point during transfer windows, with speculation surrounding the 21-year-old forward intensifying once again this month.

As per The Sun - via MOT Leeds News - Leeds are open to offers for Gnonto, who has struggled for game time in recent weeks.

Gnonto is reportedly of interest to a number of undisclosed clubs in Saudi Arabia, all of whom will likely have the financial muscle to pull off a deal for a player who Leeds had valued at £30 million less than twelve months ago, and who is also under contract at Elland Road until 2028 after penning a new four-year contract last summer, too.

It was previously reported by Football Insider that Leeds were keen to retain the Italy international beyond January, but it now appears as though they could potentially be open to offers for his services.

Gnonto has had a mixed season with the Championship title hopefuls. The speedy forward had enjoyed stunning form in the opening quarters of the campaign but has gradually lost his place in Farke's side behind the likes of Dan James and Manor Solomon, having started just one of Leeds' last eight matches in the Championship.

The former FC Zurich star has still returned a respectable outlay of four goals and five assists from 27 appearances - seven of which have come from the bench - but will be looking to hike that tally up if he stays in West Yorkshire for the season's duration.

Leeds United backed to keep Willy Gnonto amid Saudi Arabia transfer interest

FLW asked our Whites fan pundit, Ger Lynch, whether he believes the club should consider substantial offers for Gnonto in the final days of the winter window.

Ger, however, has played down any possibility of Leeds sanctioning a mid-season exit for Gnonto, who he believes should receive a run in the side once again.

"I don't think there's any chance of Leeds selling Willy Gnonto, at least not in the January transfer window," Ger told FLW.

"His form isn't as good as it was at the start of the season and he's probably fourth-choice winger right now, but he's still a very young player and has a lot to offer.

"He was fantastic for Leeds at the start of the season, he's gone off the boil but he's not getting a run of games in the team and that's because of the form of Dan James and Manor Solomon, both of those wingers have contributed via goals and assists to 40 per cent of Leeds' total goals this season, so he's got a big jump to get back into the side.

"But I think if he gets a run in the side, he will be good in the back-end of the season for Leeds. I can't see Leeds selling a player like Gnonto and he's a long-term investment for Leeds. I don't think Leeds will take anything for him in January.

"They might look at it in the summer if there is serious interest, but if he went to Saudi Arabia at the age he is, it would probably scupper any hopes he has of playing for the Italian national side, which he very much does [have].