Everton ‘like’ Wilfried Gnonto and has now complete ‘£30m’ Leeds asking price unfortunately he will arrive for medicals within next 4 hours
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Leeds United will be forced to accept offers of “£30-35million” for Wilfried Gnonto this summer.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed his old side “like” the 20-year-old.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (24 June) that Everton are now turning their attention to a new move for Leeds star Gnonto.
The Toffees were keen to sign the Italy international last summer (2023) and have continued to monitor his progress at Elland Road.
Leeds failed to achieve promotion back to the Premier League in the 2023-24 campaign and are now expected to sell multiple key players.
Leeds could be forced to accept ‘£30-35m’ Gnonto offer, says Wyness
Wyness claimed the Whites “need to get an auction going” for Gnonto to maximise his value.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “There’s been talk of Gnonto coming to Everton, the club do like him from what I know.
“It’s difficult for Leeds because they do have to sell.
“They need to get an auction going, and that doesn’t appear to be happening – but we never know which clubs are coming in for him behind the scenes.
“I would value him at around the £30-35million mark.
“The market is depressed because of their ability to command a higher price.
“He’s a talent, he could do well in the Premier League – but clubs know that Leeds have to sell.
“This is going to be a worrying window for the club.”
In other news, Championship club agree deal to sign Leeds star.
The Toffees managed to squeeze more upfront fee out of the deal for a player who was out of contract in a year, rather than take the first offer, with a sell-on clause included that could land them a nice sum down the line, according to Joe Thomas.
Writing on X [28 June], the Liverpool Echo journalist added that initial talks started with an £8m bid, but Everton held out for more while ensuring they benefit now and potentially in the future.
Godfrey, who chose Atalanta over Lyon, flew to Milan for a medical on Friday morning (June 28) and later joined the Europa League winners alongside former Everton winger Ademola Lookman.
This deal is a win for Everton, as it secures immediate funds and future earnings from the sell-on clause.
Everton’s move to sell Ben Godfrey to Atalanta for approximately £11m, plus add-ons with a sell-on clause, is a brilliant piece of business.
This deal not only brings in immediate cash but also includes provisions for Everton to earn more if Godfrey’s career continues to rise.
