Tottenham could strike Gnonto swap deal with Leeds after ‘transfer request’
Tottenham may have the opportunity to strike a swap deal with Leeds United that will solve problems for both sides as Ange Postecoglou could land himself a bargain in January. Spurs have been rocked by a spate of injuries in recent weeks to leave them light in attack and the sudden availability of young winger Wilfried Gnonto might convince the Australian to propose a potential swap to the Championship side.
Reports suggest the Italy international is keen to end his 18-month spell in Yorkshire and seal a move to a bigger club. Gnonto missed a chance to clinch a move in the summer transfer window as he committed himself to fighting to get Leeds promoted back to the top-flight, but he has hardly featured under Daniel Farke.
There is interest from Serie A clubs in taking Gnonto back to his native land, with Lazio and Roma both prepared for to scrap for his signature. According to Tuttomercatoweb, Maurizio Sarri is considering bringing the winger back to Italy after the 20-year-old prospect ‘asked to leave’ Leeds, citing a lack of minutes with the club.
It is claimed that contact has already been made between Leeds and representatives at Lazio, with the Rome-based club exploring the possibility of a deal. However, Lazio are not renowned for spending huge amounts on transfer fees under president Claudio Lotito and may wait for a loan opportunity to arise due to Gnonto’s lack of game time.
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Gnonto has made nine appearances in the Championship for Leeds this season but started only six of those games. His only goal of the current campaign came away to Ipswich Town back in August and it is clear Farke prefers the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter in his attack.
The youngster became a fans’ favourite last season after impressing in the Premier League, having joined from FC Zurich in September 2022. He made a lasting impression on Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville following their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in January after providing an assist and generally caused havoc for the Villa backline.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: “To see someone so mature, so young is very unusual in that position. Sometimes you see potential and talent but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of team-mates, really good, honestly.”
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But Spurs may have the upper hand with a bargaining chip in the form of Joe Rodon, who is currently on loan at Elland Road until the end of the season.
The centre-back, 26, has been farmed out on loan over the past two seasons and failed to earn a permanent switch to Rennes last season. His stint with Leeds has looked more promising and the Wales defender may be keen to join them permanently, as he has realistically no chance of breaking into the team under Postecoglou.
Spurs reportedly value him at £20million, but Rodon’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025 and that could allow Leeds to force their hand. It is unlikely they would pay such a fee unless they get promoted, and with Gnonto keen to leave, a swap deal would be a marriage of convenience for both clubs.
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