Opinion: Leeds Leading Race to Sign “Underrated” Teen “Magician” Who Could Be the Next Gnonto

Leeds United have around a month left before the summer transfer window closes at the end of August.

 

The Whites are aiming to build a squad capable of securing promotion to the Premier League after falling short in the play-off final last season.

 

Under the guidance of Daniel Farke, Leeds will kick off the 2024/25 campaign with a clash against Portsmouth at Elland Road in less than two weeks. So far, they have added four players to their squad this summer.

 

Central defender Joe Rodon has signed permanently following his loan spell in West Yorkshire last season.

 

Additionally, Alex Cairns and Jayden Bogle have joined on permanent deals, while midfielder Joe Rothwell has arrived on loan from Bournemouth.

The Championship side has also seen several departures, with Archie Gray, Charlie Cresswell, and Glen Kamara leaving to join Tottenham Hotspur, Toulouse, and Rennes, respectively.

 

Despite these additions and departures, Leeds’ work in the transfer window may not be finished. Reports suggest they are looking to add a young talent to their attacking options.

 

Leeds’ Interest in Teen Whiz

 

According to Ta To Take on Telegram, as relayed by LeedsUnitedNews, Leeds are one of several teams interested in Metalist Kharkiv winger Hennadiy Synchuk.

 

Sunderland, Derby County, and Middlesbrough, along with teams from Germany, are also keen on the teenage talent, indicating significant competition for his signature.

 

The report claims that Leeds are currently leading the race to bring the 18-year-old to England ahead of their Championship rivals.

Ta To Take adds that Leeds have been monitoring Synchuk since the winter transfer window and could now make their move this summer.

 

However, the report does not specify how much money would be required to convince Kharkiv to part with their talented young prospect before the deadline.

 

It remains unclear how likely a deal is this summer, as the Ukrainian side’s demands and Leeds’ willingness to meet them are unknown.

 

If Leeds manage to secure a deal for the Ukraine U23 international, they could find their next Wilfried Gnonto, another teenage whiz the club previously snapped up.

 

Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto Masterclass

 

In the summer of 2022, former sporting director Victor Orta, now with Sevilla, signed the Italian youngster from FC Zurich for a reported fee of £3.8 million.

 

Like Synchuk, Gnonto was only 18 at the time and arrived as a talented prospect with the potential to develop into a first-team performer.

 

Gnonto had produced 12 goals and ten assists in 74 appearances for Zurich in all competitions and had previously played for Inter at the academy level.

 

He immediately emerged as a first-team option for Leeds in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign, scoring two goals and providing four assists in 24 top-flight outings, along with two goals in three FA Cup matches.

 

Despite his youth and limited top-level experience, Gnonto quickly made an impact in Yorkshire, developing into a key player for the club.

 

Following Leeds’ relegation to the Championship at the end of his first season at Elland Road, he had the opportunity to showcase his attacking quality on a regular basis in the second tier.

 

In the 2023/24 season, Gnonto produced ten direct goal contributions in 36 appearances, primarily from a right-wing position.

 

He provided a clinical edge, outperforming his expected goals (xG) by almost three goals. However, his efforts were somewhat undermined by teammates who did not capitalize on the opportunities he created.

 

Overall, Leeds played a masterclass with Gnonto, acquiring a teenager from Switzerland for a modest fee and turning him into a key first-team performer.

 

Why Synchuk Could Be Gnonto 2.0

 

Synchuk could be the next Gnonto for Leeds, as he is another 18-year-old winger with the potential to develop into a star under Farke.

 

Similar to Gnonto, Synchuk would arrive with minimal expectations, allowing him to play freely and showcase his qualities without immediate pressure.

 

Described as “underrated” and a “magician” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Synchuk has made 30 first-team appearances for Kharkiv but is yet to score his first senior goal, with just one assist to his name.

 

However, he has scored three goals in eight games for Ukraine at the U19 and U23 levels combined, indicating potential for impact at the top end of the pitch.

 

If Leeds secure Synchuk’s signature, they could once again turn a promising teenager into a key player, following the successful blueprint established with Gnonto.

 

As Leeds continue to build their squad for the upcoming season, Synchuk’s addition could provide the attacking depth and youthful exuberance needed to push for promotion to the Premier League.