The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 15th January) - Concrete interest in Gnonto from Saudi League

[Ellandback1]

Good Morning. It's Wednesday 15th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Concrete interest in Gnonto from Saudi League

Reports of "concrete interest" in Leeds winger Wilfried Gnonto from the Saudi Pro League are intensifying. While no specific clubs have been identified, media sources strongly suggest the 21 year old is on the radar of multiple teams in the rapidly developing league. This raises questions about Leeds willingness to part ways with the Italian international.

Gnonto's form this season hasn't been spectacular, and with a surplus of wingers already at Elland Road, the club might be tempted to cash in on his potential. A potential transfer fee of let's say £25m would give Leeds much-needed funds to strengthen in other areas of the pitch, ahead of what promises to be a nerve wracking secondhalf of the season!





Leeds rubbish D'avilla reports

Leeds United have rubbished reports linking them with a £3.3 million bid for UD Leiria's 21yo defensive midfielder Dje D'avilla. Contrary to reports in West Yorkshire, Sport TV journalist Sebastiao Sousa Pinto insists the Whites have not just tabled a bid, but put together a compensation package for the highly rated 21 year old. D'Avilla currently applies his trade in the Portuguese second tier, and has attracted interest from a host of clubs.

He is described as highly skilful, a strong passer, and capable of driving forward with the ball. The biggest obstacle Leeds would face is gaining a UK work permit, given the strict rules that apply to the UK. This makes any move during the January transfer window unlikely.





Whites eyeing versatile Pilgrim

Leeds scouts were in attendance to watch Plymouth’s 1-0 win over Brentford on the weekend, prompting speculation among Leeds fans on social media. Whilst former Leeds target Morgan Whittaker grabbed the headlines with a wonder striker from outside of the area (his last contribution for the Pilgrims before his £12m move to Burnley), the Whites have turned their attention to promising defender Bali Mumba, who briefly played under Farke at Norwich.

The 23 year old can play anywhere in the back-line, prompting potential interest from the Leeds gaffer. He has made 24 starts for Plymouth, and has been credited with one assist. His ''Whoscored' rating of 6.43 puts his 16th in their rankings.

[Sean_Nile]

European footballers moving to Saudi Arabia is like hitting the jackpot on holiday, just ask Karim Benzema. The man swapped Madrid’s tapas for Riyadh’s kebabs and is now earning a mind-boggling $213 million a season. That’s not a wage; that’s a small country's GDP!

It's where footballers go in the twilight of their careers not at the beginning. Yet with the World cup being held there in 2034 the Saudis have to gain some respect in the game, hence trying to attract younger players to give the Saudis some credence.

[Chilli D]

Whittaker played for Plymouth last night so it doesn't seem like a move is cut and dried.

[PhoenixUnited]

European footballers moving to Saudi Arabia is like hitting the jackpot on holiday, just ask Karim Benzema. The man swapped Madrid’s tapas for Riyadh’s kebabs and is now earning a mind-boggling $213 million a season. That’s not a wage; that’s a small country's GDP!

It's where footballers go in the twilight of their careers not at the beginning. Yet with the World cup being held there in 2034 the Saudis have to gain some respect in the game, hence trying to attract younger players to give the Saudis some credence.

When life changing and obscene, amounts of money are offered up to anyone you can't fault a person to grab it with both hands. Never going to happen but if anyone of us were offered that I can't imagine we'd turn our noses up at it.

In sports it's happened everywhere - American football, basketball, cricket, golf and now football. The list is not exhaustive. Such is life

[mentalcase]

Morning all.
Gnonto needs to start showing the potential a lot of folk on here were saying he could and would do, a little world beater that only Marsch failed to see, he's had 4 managers since and still proved nothing, a move to saudi would probably suit all especially if we stuck £50M on his head.

D'avilla
This bit made me giggle.
The biggest obstacle Leeds would face is gaining a UK work permit, given the strict rules that apply to the UK.

Simply pop him in a boat he'll be here in no time and will get a lawyer to get him round those "strict work permit rules"

[WhiteRose]

Whilst I still don’t think we desperately need anyone it is frustrating that once again in January those around us are being linked with good talent, cannon, Whitaker and Diaz and yet we seem to be sniffing around the basement

[PhoenixUnited]

Regarding Gnonto, it's taken a time for the intrigue to kick in about his future at Leeds United. At the moment his football seems to have reached some sort of plateau. He looks classy and is full of endeavor but there haven't been the sort of outstanding performances that most of us expected this season.

If any one player is to leave in this Transfer Window for a fee I suspect it will be Gnonto. If he does leave I think it will be a major blow to Leeds United as we head into the second half of the season. We have not seen the best of him yet and we need him in the squad.

The other issue, if he were to leave, is the sell on clause that FC Zurich put in when we bought him for a mere £3.8m or thereabouts. There apparently is a huge percentage of the sale fee that Zurich will be entitled to.

[Orange Box]

A 21yo defensive midfielder from the Portuguese second division? Top of my shopping list, said Victoria Orta.

[Ellandback1]

Regarding Gnonto, it's taken a time for the intrigue to kick in about his future at Leeds United. At the moment his football seems to have reached some sort of plateau. He looks classy and is full of endeavor but there haven't been the sort of outstanding performances that most of us expected this season.

If any one player is to leave in this Transfer Window for a fee I suspect it will be Gnonto. If he does leave I think it will be a major blow to Leeds United as we head into the second half of the season. We have not seen the best of him yet and we need him in the squad.

The other issue, if he were to leave, is the sell on clause that FC Zurich put in when we bought him for a mere £3.8m or thereabouts. There apparently is a huge percentage of the sale fee that Zurich will be entitled to.

Gnonto's first 6 months were exceptional, but I think he was playing without fear!

Perhaps he's trying too hard, and Leeds 'must not lose the ball' mentality is causing him to be too cautious? The only player this season I have seen run at their mean and beat them is Solomon, but that's what we need!!!!

[Ellandback1]

Burnley are going to return Jaidon Anthony once they get Morgan Whittaker!!!!!!!

[ruttermania]

Gnonto always seems to be a bit of a 'streak' player and there will come a couple of runs of games during the latter half of the season when he will hit 4/5 goals and get some assists . Those will be crucial and therefore holding on to him could play a crucial role in getting promotion over the line and giving the 49ers access to the premiership riches. In those circumstances what level of offer makes it worthwhile to roll the dice on this one . I would suggest it would have to be at a level that would make even the Saudis think twice so I can't see this being a runner at all .Not that long ago people thought it was worth cutting Solomons loan short to free up space and that doesn't look like such a clever idea now proving the old adage that form is temporary but class is permanent.

[Sean_Nile]

We think of big money being the attraction for going to Saudi Arabia, however Jordan Henderson's transition to playing football in Saudi Arabia presented several challenges that ultimately led to his departure from Al-Ettifaq after just six months.

Upon joining Al-Ettifaq in July 2023, Henderson faced extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C, which significantly impacted his ability to perform on the field.

Then there was the Family, the relocation posed challenges for Henderson's family, affecting their overall well-being and his personal life. This adjustment period was a significant factor in his decision to leave. A happy wife makes for a happy life.

In January 2024, Henderson terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq and signed with Ajax in the Netherlands, seeking a more suitable environment for both his professional and personal life.

All that glitters is not gold. Women can't drive cars, and displays of affection in public are frowned apon, and a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale are scarcer then hen's teeth.

[CUSSIE01]

Still holding out hope that I’m going to sign in soon & see that we aren’t selling any of our decent players and bringing in someone better than a second tier Portuguese player or someone rated 16th in the bottom team in the Championship. Get the check book out ASAP before someone else snaps him up, 16th for b****y Plymouth, Lord help us.
If that is the height of our ambition then we may get used to Championship or League 1 football I have a sneaky feeling though that EB wakens in the morning with the one thought “ How much can I wind up our fan base with my column this morning “ while knowing that Leeds are about to announce 2/3 marquee signings that will lead us to The Promised Land

[Ellandback1]

We think of big money being the attraction for going to Saudi Arabia, however Jordan Henderson's transition to playing football in Saudi Arabia presented several challenges that ultimately led to his departure from Al-Ettifaq after just six months.

Upon joining Al-Ettifaq in July 2023, Henderson faced extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C, which significantly impacted his ability to perform on the field.

Then there was the Family, the relocation posed challenges for Henderson's family, affecting their overall well-being and his personal life. This adjustment period was a significant factor in his decision to leave. A happy wife makes for a happy life.

In January 2024, Henderson terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq and signed with Ajax in the Netherlands, seeking a more suitable environment for both his professional and personal life.

All that glitters is not gold. Women can't drive cars, and displays of affection in public are frowned apon, and a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale are scarcer then hen's teeth.

I was told that a happy wife means a peaceful life????

[Ellandback1]

Still holding out hope that I’m going to sign in soon & see that we aren’t selling any of our decent players and bringing in someone better than a second tier Portuguese player or someone rated 16th in the bottom team in the Championship. Get the check book out ASAP before someone else snaps him up, 16th for b****y Plymouth, Lord help us.
If that is the height of our ambition then we may get used to Championship or League 1 football I have a sneaky feeling though that EB wakens in the morning with the one thought “ How much can I wind up our fan base with my column this morning “ while knowing that Leeds are about to announce 2/3 marquee signings that will lead us to The Promised Land

[Barlow Boy]

I was told that a happy wife means a peaceful life????

My told me that when I got married

[whiteinfrance]

Women can't drive cars, and displays of affection in public are frowned apon, and a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale are scarcer then hen's teeth.


Sounds like London!

[whiteswan]

Women can't drive cars, and displays of affection in public are frowned apon, and a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale are scarcer then hen's teeth.


Sounds like London!

Women can drive in Saudi now WIF. They couldn't when I spent time out there in the 80's. There was no alcohol (home brew ).....but a fabulous place to be. Stunning desert and sand dunes, flying in the helicopter over the bedouins and camels. It's an amazing country to see.

[whiteinfrance]

Women can drive in Saudi now WIF. They couldn't when I spent time out there in the 80's. There was no alcohol (home brew ).....but a fabulous place to be. Stunning desert and sand dunes, flying in the helicopter over the bedouins and camels. It's an amazing country to see.

Full of foreigners though!

Just like London

And too hot I imagine - not like London

[whiteinfrance]

Mind you - plenty of foreigners in France!