Despite already having concerns about the depth of their attacking quality, Leeds United could now lose one of their most dangerous stars amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia.
Roy Keane delivers Leeds survival verdict
Leeds and the rest of the promoted sides have so far shocked the rest of the Premier League. Alongside Burnley and Sunderland, those at Elland Road are out to end the curse of the newcomer and become the first side in six to survive at the first time of asking back in the top flight.
“The pressure of the Premier League is extreme on a manager, whether that be the top or the bottom. We have to watch in the next few months as the promoted teams look like they have a chance.
“In the last few years, everyone was thinking they would go back down. Definitely more panic at clubs such as Forest or Brentford. Already, Forest and West Ham have sacked their gaffers.” (Roy Keane on The Overlap)
As things stand, Leeds are four points above the dropzone and could even push into the top-half if results go their way after the international break. After Daniel Farke spent much of the summer airing concerns that his side lacked enough attacking quality, he will be delighted with how they’ve already secured a number of results.
Alas, the German’s work is far from done. Leeds must get back to winning ways after losing against Tottenham Hotspur last time out and continue what has been a solid start. Then, when January arrives, it will be all about keeping hold of their best players and, if reports are anything to go by, fending off interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Saudi billionaires readying Gnonto move
As reported by MOT Leeds News, Saudi billionaires Neom and Al-Ittihad are readying January moves to sign Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds. Backed by the riches of PIF, the two clubs could hand all parties a difficult offer to turn down, but those in Yorkshire must remain firm on their transfer stance.
With just less than three years remaining on Gnonto’s current deal, Leeds should be in no rush to cash-in on their talented winger midway through the current campaign. What’s more, when considering Farke’s attacking concerns, it’s clear that the Italian still has a role to play.
After featuring from the start in three of the four Premier League appearances to his name before a calf injury disrupted his season, Gnonto should have all eyes on returning to full fitness with a bang following the international break.
At 21 years old, he remains one of Leeds’ brightest attacking sparks and someone who has already earned praise from the likes of Jermaine Beckford, who once said: “He’s very direct, I’m a huge admirer of him.”
That said, not many have rejected the riches of Saudi Arabia in European football and Leeds may face an uphill battle to stand in the way of Gnonto when January arrives.