Exclusive: Saudi Giants Target Leeds Star Wilfried Gnonto in £50m Battle

Four Saudi Arabian clubs are poised to compete for Willy Gnonto’s signature if the Italy under-21 international is granted permission to leave Leeds United this summer.

Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli are all willing to offer Gnonto a big-money long-term deal. 

According to SportsBoom sources, a number of Serie A’s leading teams are also monitoring the 21-year-old’s situation at Elland Road, their counterparts in the Middle East are capable of offering him a much more lucrative salary should he decide to sever ties with the Championship leaders.

Given the sums it would take to lure Gnonto to Riyadh or Jeddah, where the Saudi Pro League’s most recognisable clubs are based, only sides part owned by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund are likely to be in a position to meet United’s reported £50m asking price. 

And that means only officials acting on behalf of the SPL’s ‘Big Four’ would be in a position to speak with the former Zurich winger’s representatives if Daniel Farke’s employers decide to cash in on the popular forward.

Al-Hilal, currently managed by Jorge Jesus, are the most minted and best funded side in the competition. 

But Al-Ittihad, currently under the tutelage of Laurent Blanc, appear the best placed of the quartet’s other three members to challenge their dominance having opened up a four point lead at the top of this season’s table. 

Indeed, the so-called People’s Club are the only side other than Jesus’ men to write their name on the title winners’ trophy since 2020.

DECISION TO MAKE

Gnonto, who injured an ankle whilst representing his country last week, has now returned to West Yorkshire for treatment and could be a doubt for United’s upcoming fixture against Swansea City.

Born in Verbania, Piedmont, he appeared set to move on last summer before ultimately being persuaded to agree a new long-term contract. 

However, with Dan James excelling under Farke, starting opportunities have proved limited for Gnonto of late - something which has once again raised doubts about his future with United.

Farke would prefer to retain Gnonto’s services - particularly if his squad secures promotion back to the top-flight. But the right offer could tempt the German to reconsider his position, not least if Gnonto expresses an interest in exploring the possibility of a move elsewhere.