Amid the Everton news of Anthony Elanga’s transfer rejection, one name has captured the attention of Everton fans, the highly talented Wilfried Gnonto.
Wilfried Gnonto, The 19-year-old Italian winger has expressed his keen interest in joining the Merseyside club, and Everton, in turn, has been actively pursuing him since April, eager to bolster their attacking options as per recent reports by FootballTransfers.
🚨 Leeds have REJECTED Everton's £15M bid for 19yo winger Wilfried Gnonto.🚫🇮🇹 #LUFC#EFC
— Football Transfers (@Transferzone00) July 16, 2023
FootballTransfers initially revealed Everton’s interest in Gnonto back in May, and since then, discussions between the clubs have continued. However, the Toffees’ first bid of £15 million was rejected by Leeds, the club Gnonto currently plays for.
Nevertheless, both sides seem eager to find common ground, with Leeds valuing the young winger at £19 million, leaving room for a potential compromise.
🗣️Fabrizio Romano:
"#LUFC will look for players in different positions. So, I think they will be really busy in the next week. It’s also important to see how the conversation with Everton will go for Wilfried Gnonto.
— Leeds United: Marching On Together (@leeds_together) July 20, 2023
According to Italian news outlet Sports Italia (via Sport Witness) Gnonto’s agent, Claudio Vigorelli, is in London to finalize the transfer to Everton. If the deal goes through, Gnonto will become Everton’s third summer signing, following Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma, whose move is also nearing completion.
The prospect of signing Gnonto has excited Everton fans, especially since the club is looking to add more depth and quality to its attacking options.
The Jamaican winger Demarai Gray is also attracting interest from other Premier League clubs and Saudi Arabia, leaving Everton in need of reinforcement.
Willy Gnonto is making no attempt to force his way out of Elland Road, despite the transfer noise surrounding the teenager.
Gnonto is on the radar of Everton and Leeds have already knocked back one bid for their Italian international, but a move to Goodison would appear to make… pic.twitter.com/eR7prNBlZF
— Leeds United: Marching On Together (@leeds_together) July 21, 2023
With just one year left on his contract, Gray’s potential departure could leave the Toffees with only Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwobi as wide options.
Gnonto’s possible arrival at Goodison Park would undoubtedly boost Everton‘s attacking prowess. Having already showcased his blistering pace and creativity for Leeds in the Premier League, Gnonto impressed despite the club’s relegation.
He contributed two goals and four assists in 24 league appearances, leaving fans and analysts convinced of his potential. Compared to other potential targets, Gnonto stands out as a valuable addition to Everton.
He outperformed Manchester United’s Anthony Elanga in various attacking attributes during the last season with his ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and his “electric pace, stature, low center of gravity, mobility, bravery, and powerful finish,” as praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Gnonto could be an exceptional asset for Everton’s attacking line.
While Leeds may profit significantly from the potential transfer, losing Gnonto would be a blow to their aspirations of a quick return to the Premier League. However, the player’s desire to compete in a top division and Everton’s eagerness to strengthen their squad for the present and the future signal a promising outcome for both parties.
