‘Seriously Talented Player’ – Pundit Deems Everton Transfer Link as ‘Good Business’
Former England Midfielder Carlton Palmer Says Signing Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds United Would Be “Good Business” for Everton
Speaking to Football League World on 23 July, Palmer acknowledged that while Wilfried Gnonto wasn’t Leeds’ standout player last season, his age and Premier League experience justify the potential £25 million fee. Everton, which has long shown interest in Gnonto, first pursued him in the summer of 2023.
Palmer suggested that with the £50 million received from Amadou Onana’s sale to Aston Villa, Everton could make a solid investment in Gnonto.
Palmer stated: “The 20-year-old didn’t quite shine last season like Crysencio Summerville, but he has a tremendous future ahead of him and is a seriously talented player.
Given his age and the potential, £25 million is a reasonable fee, especially since Everton is getting around £50 million from Onana’s transfer.”
A move for Gnonto could be transformative for Everton. Currently, Sean Dyche’s squad is notably weak on the wings, with very few out-and-out wingers available. Although a loan deal for Napoli’s Jesper Lindstrom is reportedly close, Everton would still have only Lindstrom, Dwight McNeil, and Jack Harrison on the flanks, the latter already on loan from Leeds.
Gnonto would add a fresh dynamic, with his low center of gravity and willingness to take on defenders. New signing Iliman Ndiaye can also play wide, but with Gnonto and another winger alongside him, Ndiaye could thrive in Dyche’s revamped team next season.
How the £50 million from Onana’s transfer will be reinvested into the squad remains to be seen, but signing Gnonto could address the pressing need for quality wingers and fit well with Everton’s requirements.
