In a recent interview with Goodison News, journalist Ben Jacobs offered an update on Everton and their pursuit of Leeds United talent Wilfried Gnonto this summer. Jacobs said,
“I think that Daniel Farke sees Gnonto as being quite vital to the project in terms of coming back up, so Leeds have been pretty bullish here.
“They’ve been pretty dismissive with Everton, which tells you that somebody is going to have to pay above market value to succeed on this one.
“As it stands, Everton haven’t come back and Leeds are planning for the player to remain at Elland Road for the season. Only a huge offer or a player-driven move to try and force an exit is looking like changing that at this stage.”
Gnonto’s Recent Campaign At Elland Road
Gnonto enjoyed a decent campaign at the West Yorkshire club as he produced a run of impressive displays on the left side of their attack. However, the 19-year-old’s contributions were not enough for the Whites to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Italian sensation did well to score four goals and picked up four assists in 29 matches for Leeds last season across all fronts. Gnonto caught the eye by averaging 0.9 shots, 0.9 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He even distributed the ball well in the final third based on his pass completion rate of 77% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
What Should Everton Boss Sean Dyche Do With Regards To Gnonto?
Gnonto is a decent dribbler with the ball as he can use his quickness to get in behind the opponent’s backline. He has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the final third and can shoot the ball with venom from long range.
The Italian talent is primarily a left-winger but can also function as a right-sided wide player or as an attacking midfielder if required.
Gnonto would add more pace and goals to Everton‘s attack. He might even help the Toffees avoid getting themselves dragged into a relegation dogfight in the Premier League next season. Therefore, Sean Dyche would be wise to launch a late move to sign Gnonto during this summer transfer window.
