Everton on brink of finalising huge Leeds Utd signing amid claims Dyche has convinced star to quit Elland Road

James Marshment 11 Jul 2023 10:44 AM

Wilfried Gnonto is an Everton target

Everton are closing on the signing of Wilfried Gnonto after convincing the winger to leave relegated Leeds Utd in a move that will also quadruple the Whites’ initial investment, according to reports in Italy.

The Italy winger, 19, was one of the few bright sparks for Leeds in an otherwise disastrous season. Going through three different managers, the club ultimately succumbed to relegation, bringing their three-year Premier League spell to an end.

Since that ill-fated day at the end of May, the club has made a number of significant changes. Italian owner Andrea Radrizzani has sold his shares in the club to 49ers Enterprises, though that deal continues to away official EFL ratification.

The club have also sworn in a new manager in Daniel Farke and they will be hoping the German finds the winning formula quickly at Elland Road.

A temporary new director of football has arrived in Nick Hammond too. The former Reading and Newcastle man has stepped into the breach vacated towards the end of last season by Victor Orta.

However, the biggest changes of all are likely to come in playing staff. And while the club are yet to make a first-team signing, a number of big-name stars have already departed Elland Road.

Indeed, Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson and Diego Llorente have all sealed themselves season-long loan moves away.

There also remains strong interest in last season’s top scorer, Rodrigo, with a number of Spanish and Premier League sides casting admiring glances his way.

However, three players that their new owners do want to keep and build their team around are Tyler Adams, Max Wober and Gnonto.

Everton closing on Wilfried Gnonto signing

The trio all played leading roles for the Whites last season, despite the club ultimately falling on their sword.

There is certainly strong interest in Adams, their £20m summer 2022 arrival from RB Leipzig.

However, Leeds’ £35m valuation of the American appears to have put off a number of prospective suitors.

Sadly for Leeds, the same cannot be said for Gnonto.

The teenage star was a rare bargain in the modern game, joining Leeds for €4.5m from FC Zurich.

Indeed, his signing was brought forward by Leeds following the failure to land Cody Gakpo. Initially slotted to arrive in January, the 19-year-old quickly made the most of his opportunity.

At one point in the season, Gary Neville described Gnonto as “unplayable”, tipping him up as a future Manchester City signing.

And while his form dipped, he still ended the season with four goals and four assists from 28 appearances.

Gnonto wants move to secure Euro 2024 squad place

As a result, a number of clubs have all expressed an interest in his services. These range from Inter Milan and Juventus, to Aston Villa and Everton.

Now according to strong reports coming out of Italy, Gnonto has decided on a move to Everton.

Per Sportitalia and their CEO Michele Criscitiello, Everton will pay Leeds an initial fee of €22m (£18.8m) for Gnonto.

That will see Leeds more than quadruple their initial investment into the 19-year-old star.

And it seems Sean Dyche has convinced the star to quit Elland Road and return to the Premier League.

Gnonto has won 12 caps for Italy already, with coach Roberto Mancini a huge admirer. With the 2024 European Championships taking place next summer, Gnonto reportedly feels a move is a must to secure his status in the Italy squad.

His arrival is likely to be the first of the summer for Everton and Dyche. They themselves were in the thick of the relegation battle last season. However, they will hope some smart business can ensure a more successful 2023/24 campaign.

Wilfried Gnonto