Leeds United reignites interest in midfielder, while Summerville attracts attention from Chelsea and Liverpool, and Gnonto leans towards exit
Leeds United concluded the regular season in third place in the Championship, with Daniel Farke’s squad set to spend another year in the second tier for the 2024/25 season after a defeat to Southampton in the play-off final. Despite a commendable season that amassed a points tally typically sufficient for automatic promotion, Leeds must now strategize for their next campaign in the Championship, necessitating the departure of several players this summer.
One major challenge for the club in the upcoming transfer window will be to secure maximum fees for unwanted players who are still under contract, while simultaneously finding replacements for their top talents who are likely to seek opportunities at higher levels. Having narrowly missed automatic promotion, there is still optimism that the team can be strong contenders next season, especially given a potentially less competitive Championship.
With a crucial summer ahead for Farke and the Leeds management, here is a roundup of the latest transfer news and significant headlines emerging from the club.
Leeds are reportedly set to renew their interest in Fortuna Düsseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka, according to Japanese sports outlet Hochi. The 25-year-old has garnered interest from various European clubs ahead of the next season, with Leeds among the interested parties. Premier League side Everton and Bundesliga teams VfB Stuttgart and reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen are also rumored to be in the mix. Last summer, Leeds’ bid for Tanaka was swiftly rejected, but his ten goal contributions from midfield this season have kept him on their radar. Tanaka’s potential arrival would add to a midfield roster that currently includes Archie Gray, Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara, and Ilia Gruev.
Crysencio Summerville seems poised for a departure this summer. According to Football Insider, the loss at Wembley likely marks the end of his time at Leeds. Summerville is reportedly set to “push for a departure,” and the club will not impede his exit if substantial offers come in. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are among the main clubs eyeing the Championship Player of the Season, with Leeds valuing him at around £35-£40 million. Additionally, the Daily Mirror reports that Liverpool and Chelsea continue to show interest in the 22-year-old, despite Chelsea’s ongoing managerial changes and Liverpool’s preparations under new management.
Another player likely to exit Leeds is Willy Gnonto, who is reportedly eager to return to Italy after spending a year in the Championship. Italian publication Calciomercato indicates that Gnonto, who stayed at Elland Road following relegation last summer, is now more determined to leave after the club’s failure to secure promotion. Gnonto’s desire to move had even led him to miss some early games and training sessions in the 2023/24 campaign. He is now keen on a transfer back to Italy, hoping to re-establish himself in the Italian national team. The 20-year-old has been left out of the Azzurri’s preliminary squad for this summer’s European Championships in Germany, despite having 13 senior international caps.
In summary, Leeds United face a pivotal summer transfer window, balancing the sale of players while reinforcing their squad for another Championship season. Renewed interest in key midfield targets like Ao Tanaka and the likely departures of top talents such as Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto will shape the club’s strategy as they aim for promotion next season.
