Leeds United’s squad heading into Saturday’s season opener with Portsmouth, Wilfried Gnonto feels like the most likely departure before the end of the window.
Almost ever since Leeds‘ relegation from the Premier League in May 2023, Gnonto has been linked with a move away.
After having four offers rejected last summer, Everton have again seen a bid of around £23 million knocked back by Leeds for the 20-year-old in recent weeks.
Given Leeds have already sold both Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville for big money, they aren’t under any pressure to sell.
However, that is not going to stop clubs from registering an interest in members of Leeds’ squad, and that does not just include Gnonto.
Graeme Bailey shares chances of Max Wober Leeds exit
Aside from Gnonto, Max Wober, Pascal Struijk, Illan Meslier and Junior Firpo are just some of the players who have been linked with other clubs.
Wober‘s is certainly the most interesting saga of them all, having spent last season on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, who would’ve signed him permanently by now if they could afford the asking price, which is only reportedly £8.5 million.
However, with that not being the case, Wober has been reintegrated back into Leeds’ squad ahead of the new Championship season.
In his press conference on Thursday, Farke once again reaffirmed Wober’s commitment to the club amid claims from Gladbach’s sporting director Roland Virkus they could still make a move.
Speaking exclusively to LeedsUnited.News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has shared the latest on what he’s heard about Wober, suggesting he is more likely to leave than Gnonto, but staying does remain a distinct possibility.
He said: “It’s a bit similar to Gnonto, but I think Wober is more likely to go. I think Farke has said that, there is always a chance that Wober could leave. If he thought he was definitely staying, he is probably starting.
“He is a brilliant player, him in the Championship would be outstanding. It is one of those where if he stays, wonderful. I think he is more likely to go, though, from what I am hearing. But Leeds aren’t going to let him go for nothing.
What Daniel Farke said about Wober ahead of Leeds opener
Unlike Brenden Aaronson, who has also decided to return to Leeds after leaving on loan, Wober has not yet spoken publicly since coming back.
That question was put towards Farke in his press conference on Thursday, though the Leeds boss was quick to shed light on some of the conversations he has had with Wober behind-the-scenes.
He said: “He was a bit longer involved in the tournament [Euros], it was more difficult and we had a good chat on the telephone when he was playing for Austria. Then I allowed him 2.5 weeks of holiday to clear his head and come back.
“The chat was I want to be there and prove my worth. It’s always the same, a player comes in and their last experience was relegation and their reputation is maybe not on the top level, like Georgi or Illan last year. Now everyone is fully convinced and singing their names.
“Max was a bit careful to be too loud within the group, wants to adapt, especially in the German training camp. We sit together after the first three weeks of training and he said straight away, knocked on my office, he said ‘boss sorry am I allowed to come in, I’m 100 per cent convinced, I want to be here.’
“The same with Brenden, one good training session or game is not everything to win back supporters but he has my backing, he has been good in training, they will need a few weeks until they are back to 100 per cent.
“I get the feeling they can play a really important part. He is really desperate to prove his worth. Let’s not celebrate it too much, the actions are more important than the words.
