MOT View: Leeds Star Likely to Seek Exit After Latest Transfer Update

Leeds United may face a significant decision in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.

Wilfried Gnonto, 20, has featured in Leeds’ opening two Championship matches this season.

He scored in the 3-3 draw against Portsmouth at Elland Road but had a quieter performance in the goalless draw at West Brom on August 18.

Gnonto, who requested a transfer last year amid interest from Everton, has been reintegrated into Daniel Farke’s plans.

He was crucial in last season’s promotion effort, which ultimately fell short.

However, Leeds is now considering a potential replacement for him in the starting lineup with Sunderland’s Jack Clarke.

According to the Sunday Mirror on August 18 (page 69), Leeds is contemplating a move to re-sign Clarke, 23, five years after he was sold to Tottenham for £10 million.

Clarke is in the final two years of his contract, and Sunderland’s valuation of him remains uncertain.

Nonetheless, Leeds is likely to manage the cost, especially after selling Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, and soon Georginio Rutter for a combined total exceeding £100 million.

Clarke showed early promise during his time at Leeds. He made his professional debut in October 2018 at just 17 and scored his first competitive goal for the club against Aston Villa two months later.

However, his career took a downturn after he collapsed on the bench at Middlesbrough in February 2019 due to a virus.

His form suffered, leading to his sale to Spurs later that year. Although Spurs loaned him back to Leeds, Marcelo Bielsa did not favor him.

Following unsatisfactory loan spells at QPR and Stoke, Clarke joined Sunderland, where he began to fulfill his potential.

Last season, he scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 40 Championship appearances and has continued strong form this season with a goal against QPR.

Gnonto may find this news unwelcome. Despite being an Italy international with more Premier League experience than Clarke, Gnonto’s impact in the Championship last season was significant.

The possibility of Clarke’s return could lead Gnonto to consider leaving Elland Road, joining the exodus of Summerville, Rutter, Gray, and Kamara.