Fiorentina deal for Gnonto on standby as Leeds seek last-minute replacement
Quick summary
Fiorentina's move for Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto is on hold as the Championship club attempts to secure a replacement before sanctioning the transfer.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceWilfried Gnonto’s transfer to Fiorentina has hit a standstill despite the fact that he has already had a medical with the Viola, as his current employers at Leeds United appear unwilling to give the final go-ahead until they have their own replacement lined up.
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Gnonto has completed Fiorentina medical, but Leeds put the deal on hold Leeds United winger and Italy international Wilfried Gnonto in Premier League action during the 2022-23 season. Gnonto is in Italy, has made a public appearance wearing a Fiorentina training kit and has already had his medical with the Serie A club ahead of a season-long loan deal with an option to buy from Liverpool.
However, according to the latest updates from transfer expert Ben Jacobs , Leeds are currently not prepared to sanction Gnonto’s formal departure until they have a replacement lined up and ready to sign in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
Time is ticking, as the deadline for Serie A clubs to register new signings falls at 19.00 BST, whilst Premier League clubs are permitted to bring in new signings for another few hours, until 23.00.
epa10710974 Italy’s Wilfried Gnonto celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the UEFA Under-21 Championship group stage match between Switzerland and Italy in Cluj, Romania, 25 June 2023. EPA-EFE/ALEX NICODIM Leeds are hoping to secure a deadline day deal for Jean-Matteo Bahoya from Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, but it remains to be seen whether the Premier League outfit will be able to get that deal over the line in time.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina are still expected to proceed with their signing of centre-forward Beto from Everton. Moise Kean, meanwhile, is on his way to join Como in a €40m transfer .
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What happened
Fiorentina have been working to sign Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds United, but the deal is currently on standby. Leeds are reluctant to let the Italian international leave without first identifying a suitable replacement, particularly given their attacking depth concerns. The 21-year-old winger, who has been a target for several Serie A clubs, would give Fiorentina additional quality in the wide areas. The transfer hinges on whether Leeds can finalize a replacement signing in time before the window closes.
Chance analysis
Gnonto's potential return to Serie A highlights a recurring theme of the modern transfer market: selling clubs increasingly hold firm until replacements are secured, rather than bowing to late pressure. For Fiorentina, landing the Italy international would be a statement signing that adds pace and directness to their attacking options. For Leeds, losing Gnonto without adequate cover would leave a significant creative gap in their squad, especially as they navigate the demands of the Championship season.
Fiorentina's attack would be strengthened if the deal goes through, while Leeds risk losing a key wide player if they cannot secure a replacement in time.