Leeds United have reportedly agreed on personal terms with 18-year-old Italian sensation Wilfried Gnonto, and a fee could soon be finalised with FC Zurich.
According to Football Insider, Wilfried Gnonto could be closing in on moving to the Premier League with Leeds United. The West Yorkshire club have agreed on personal terms with the Italian attacking sensation, although a decision on the final fee for the 18-year-old is yet to be finalised with FC Zurich.
Wilfried Gnonto has seen his rise at FC Zurich duly recognised by some of the highly-rated clubs. The 18-year-old is already an Italian international, having scored one goal for his national team. He is expected to become a top talent in Europe, and a significant move remains on the cards.
Gnonto began with Inter Milan’s youth system, and when it was clear he would not be able to make the grade in the senior squad, he duly moved to FC Zurich. The Italian attacking sensation has played 71 times for the Swiss club, scoring 12 goals. While he is still very young for a striker, a move to a quality team could help the teenage prodigy develop his game further.
Leeds United are keen on signing the 18-year-old attacking sensation and have had their official proposal rejected by FC Zurich. Jesse Marsch’s side offered around £4 million for Gnonto, with the Swiss outfit holding out for at least £7 million. Negotiations are reportedly progressing well, and a move could be finalised soon.
Meanwhile, Leeds have agreed to personal terms with Gnonto, which pinpoints their seriousness of the pursuit. The 18-year-old Italian attacking sensation could come into Marsch’s team and provide sufficient cover for Patrick Bamford, who has had his fitness issues.
Bamford suffered a torrid campaign in 2021/22, making only ten appearances for Leeds. He did look fit and sharp at the start of the campaign but suffered a setback in Leeds United’s 2-2 draw with Southampton in Gameweek 2. That has prompted the Whites to act immediately and look for a new forward.
Gnonto would be the ideal cover for Bamford, although his rising stature in world football could allow Marsch to play him more. Being only 18, it will undoubtedly take time for the Italian forward to get his bearings right in the Premier League, although he does possess qualities that could take him to the very top.
