Carlton Palmer believes a £25 million deal for Wilfried Gnonto between Everton and Leeds United would be a smart move for all parties.
It has been reported that the Toffees have held positive talks with the Championship side over a move.
However, there is still a gap in valuation between the two clubs, with the Merseyside outfit willing to pay up to £20 million, while Leeds are holding out for £25 million.
Gnonto joined the Whites in the summer of 2022, arriving from FC Basel in a deal worth a reported £3.8 million, so this sale would represent a solid profit if it gets over the line.
The Italian contributed eight goals and two assists from 36 appearances in the Championship last season, as Daniel Farke oversaw a third place finish in the table (all stats from Fbref).
| Wilfried Gnonto’s stats 2023/24 – per Fbref.com | |||
| Stat | Per 90 | ||
| Non-penalty goals | 0.44 | ||
| Non-penalty expected goals (npxG) | 0.29 | ||
| Shots | 2.56 | ||
| Assists | 0.11 | ||
| Expected assists (xAG) | 0.15 | ||
| npxG + xAG | 0.44 | ||
| Shot-creating actions | 3.54 | ||
Carlton Palmer gives Wilfried Gnonto transfer verdict
Palmer believes that Gnonto’s transfer to Everton is a deal that could work out well for all parties.
The 58-year-old feels that he has the potential to be a quality addition for Sean Dyche’s side, while also earning a sizable fee for Leeds that can be reinvested back into the squad this summer.
“It’s believed that Leeds United are ready to accept an offer from Everton, believed to be in the region of £25 million for their wide player Willy Gnonto,” Palmer told Football League World.
“Willy scored eight goals and two assists in 36 appearances last season.
“The 20-year-old never really caught fire last season like the likes of [Crysencio] Summerville, but he has a tremendous future ahead of him, he is a seriously talented player.
“Everton went after him before, and weren’t able to get him.
“So, a 20-year-old at a signing of £25 million, I think it’s good business because Everton are believed to be getting about £50 million for Amadou Onana, who is going to Aston Villa.
“He’s still 20-years-of-age, so this would represent a good bit of business by Leeds United, who paid just £3.8 million for Gnonto in 2022.
“There have been a few issues with Gnonto, but he is a young player.
“He has got plenty and plenty of ability, he has played in the top flight, I think this is a fair fee.
“I know Everton were in for him before, and are looking to pay around £20 million, and then the fee dropped and then Leeds weren’t interested in about £10 to 15 million.
“It’s a good bit of business by Leeds United, and a good bit of business by Everton.
“They’re bringing in a talented player, and still having £25 million or so to invest in the market from the sale of Onana.
“Good business by Leeds, further reducing their wage bill, and giving them money to reinvest in the squad, having already sold Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur.”
Gnonto’s importance to Leeds
Gnonto featured 24 times in the Premier League for the Yorkshire outfit prior to their relegation in 2023, contributing two goals and four assists.
He proved his readiness to compete at that level with his performances, even if the Whites ultimately suffered the drop.
His departure from Elland Road will come as a blow if a deal can be agreed, but the £20 to 25 million fee should make it worthwhile.
Anything that helps the team keep Summerville is a boost to Farke’s squad, and this deal could go a long way in doing just that.
Gnonto sale for £25 million works out well for everyone
A fee in the region of £25 million is a fair price, and one Leeds should be happy to receive at this stage.
Gnonto had an underwhelming campaign, and offered some headaches off the pitch, so he won’t be missed too much even if he is undoubtedly talented.
If Leeds can keep Summerville, then they are still the clear favourites to earn promotion to the Premier League next season.
Given Gnonto was signed for less than £4 million, this is a hefty profit to earn and should help ease any lingering financial concerns.
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