Despite already having concerns over 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 teams have shocked the rest of the Premier League so far. Alongside Burnley and Sunderland, those at Elland Road want to end the newcomer’s curse and become the first team in six to survive the first bid to return to the top flight.
“The pressure in the Premier League is extreme on a manager, whether they are at the top or the bottom. We need to keep an eye on the promoted teams in the coming months who look like they might have a chance.
“In recent years, everyone thought they were going to go down again. Certainly more panic at clubs like Forest or Brentford. Already, Forest and West Ham have sacked their managers.” (Roy Keane on The Overlap)
As things stand, Leeds are four points above the drop zone and could even move into the top half if results continue after the international break. After Daniel Farke spent much of the summer expressing concerns about his side’s lack of attacking quality, he will be pleased with how they have already achieved a number of results.
Unfortunately, the German’s work is far from finished. Leeds must get back to winning ways after losing to Tottenham Hotspur last time out and continue what has been a good start. Then, when January rolls around, it will be about keeping their best players and, if reports are to be believed, fending off interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Saudi billionaires prepare Gnonto move
As MOT Leeds News reports, Saudi billionaires Neom and Al-Ittihad are preparing to sign Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds in January. Backed by the riches of the PIF, both clubs could offer all parties a difficult offer to refuse, but those in Yorkshire must remain firm on their transfer stance.
With just under 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. Furthermore, when considering Farke’s offensive concerns, it is clear that the Italian still has a role to play.
Having featured in three of the four Premier League matches under his belt from the start before a calf injury disrupted his season, Gnonto should have all eyes on a return to full fitness with flying colors after the international break.
At 21, he remains one of Leeds’ brightest attacking sparks and someone who has already earned praise from Jermaine Beckford, who once said: “He’s very direct, I’m a big admirer of him.”
That said, few have dismissed Saudi Arabia’s riches in European football and Leeds could face an uphill battle to stand in the way of Gnonto when January rolls around.
