New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has admitted that Pep Guardiola renewing his contract at Manchester City is bad news for the whole league.
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R Ashwin described the last few months in Test cricket as a fairytale after becoming the fourth Indian to 400 wickets, and the fourth-fastest overall (in terms of balls) to the mark in Tests. Speaking in the aftermath of India’s 10-wicket win against England in Ahmedabad, Ashwin spoke of not being sure of even having a spot in the XI before India’s Test tour of Australia began in December. Since then, in six Tests, Ashwin has taken 36 wickets to jump from 365 wickets into the 400-club.”It feels amazing, the way the board was flashing 400 wickets, the entire stadium stood up and clapped for me,” Ashwin said in a post-match interview with broadcaster . “It’s quite pleasant that it happened in a winning cause because in the middle when we collapsed for about 145, I thought we might not have enough of a lead on the board and the game could be in the balance.”I can’t really get a grip of what’s happened in the last 2-3 months. If I look back, I must say it’s been sort of a dreamy ride, it’s been a fairytale. When I started the Aussie tour, I didn’t expect to be playing in the XI because Jadeja was looking like he was going to start. And he got a hamstring tear and since then things have just looked upwards.”Related
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Ashwin spoke of a conversation he had had with captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri at the start of the Australian series, where it was hinted to him that he would need to work on his batting to be in the scheme for selection, as they’d seen something “special” in his bowling.”When I landed in Australia, the first session of practice in Sydney was quite interesting,” he said. “I thought I was bowling really well during the IPL as well – and when I reached Australia, both Virat and Ravi were having a chat with me about how I should get my batting going, because both of them thought they had seen something happening in my bowling which looked really special.”I don’t know what they thought or what they saw or what they felt, but they thought I was bowling really well. And you know, during the lockdown as well, I worked a lot on my fitness. On wanting to get my body ready for the so-called “next couple of years” or the next 3-4 years. Because you know this body is ageing by the moment, as we’re talking…so all those things started to pay rewards, I lost about 7-8 kilos through the lockdown. I just think from Australia onwards things have looked upwards for me.”Since then, Ashwin has been one of the foremost performers for India with ball and, at least on two occasions, with the bat. The recent stretch towards 400 has included getting the better of Steven Smith regularly at the start of the series in Australia, a first England Test of bowling more than 72 overs, and a complete domination over them in the last few innings of this series. The 34-year-old, when asked if he is at his best, said he is confident there is more to come.”This question has been asked quite a few times in my career,” he said. “In 2015-16 people were asking me the same thing when I went through that lovely phase in 15-16-17. And now people are asking the same. One thing’s for sure – I’ve always looked to improve and every time I’ve thought I’ve bowled well, I’ve always found another gear. So I’ll not be surprised if I surpass myself in the future as well.”“Gonna call him legend”
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were effusive in their praise of Ashwin after the match ended, with Kohli saying Ashwin was a modern-day legend.”It’s unbelievable,” Kohli said. “We all need to stand up and take notice of Ashwin’s contribution to Indian cricket. I told him that from now on, I’ll call him ledge [for legend]. Getting 400 is an outstanding achievement, and still so many games and years to go for India. In Test match cricket, he is surely a modern legend and we’re just lucky to have him in our team. As a captain I am so pleased he plays for us.”At the post-match press conference, Rohit suggested that the offspinner might be India’s greatest match-winner.”Ashwin is probably one of our matchwinners, if not  matchwinner of Indian cricket history. He has won so many games for us. So getting to that milestone, big, big congratulations to him. To do that in his 77th Test match, which is second fastest to 400, is a great feat.”
West Bromwich Albion are clearly worried about the potential of Brandon Thomas-Asante moving on to Southampton becoming a reality, with a whole host of transfer targets in attack making up their summer shopping list.
Tyrese Campbell's name keeps being talked about as a new striker option that the Baggies could pursue, with the West Midlands outfit able to snap up the injury-prone former Stoke City man for £0, but a new name has now emerged from the rumour mill.
This potential target could even be seen as an upgrade on the ex-Potters forward, having been an ice-cold goal machine across his career.
West Brom in transfer battle for Leicester City attacker
As per football journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, West Brom are just one Championship suitor keeping an eye on Thomas Cannon's future at Leicester City currently, with it looking likely that the Foxes will allow for the 21-year-old to leave the building on loan.
Both Sheffield United and Campbell's former employers in Stoke are also noted as being keen admirers of the ex-Everton youngster though, with a tussle potentially forming between this trio of suitors for his short-term services as the transfer window nears to its end next month.
With reports that Thomas-Asante has caught the eye of the newly promoted Saints, alongside the likes of Hull City, it's no great shock to see the Baggies are weighing up their options as to who they can bring in at the striker spot, considering Cannon has shown his blistering best in the second tier before, away from his Leicester move.
The raw 21-year-old forward could even be seen as an upgrade on Campbell, with the free agent attacker more known for being in the treatment room now over being a clinical finisher of chances, as opposed to Cannon who could become even better at the Hawthorns, next to the likes of Grady Diangana at the top of his game.
What Cannon can offer West Brom
Cannon is best remembered for his exploits when he was on the books at Preston North End on loan, firing in eight goals from just 21 Lilywhites appearances during the 2022/23 season, before returning back to the Toffees.
The deadly £8k-per-week attacker, who would regularly cause havoc at youth level for the Merseysiders as well, would end up moving to his current employers Leicester just last year for £7.5m, but wasn't a key first-teamer week in and week out for Enzo Maresca's men as they won the Championship title.
Stat – per game*
Cannon
Games played
13
Games started
3
Average minutes played
33
Goals scored
2
Assists
1
Shots*
1.2
Touches*
11.2
Stats by Sofascore
Yet, even though his role was often a background one for the Foxes last season, Cannon still showed off his unerring coolness in front of goal when required, with two strikes bagged, despite only averaging 33 minutes of action when thrown into the deep end.
Campbell would score one more strike for Stoke last season, but would play ten times more in the league than Cannon managed for the reigning second tier champions in the process.
Therefore, Cannon could also be a smart loan buy for Carlos Corberan to make even if Thomas-Asante does stay put, knowing that the ex-Everton man's lively presence breathing down his neck could get even more out of the former Salford City striker again.
The 21-year-old Baggies target could also thrive in his new surroundings lining up next to Diangana, who created eight big chances all of last season, despite also fading in and out of contests like Thomas-Asante.
Neither member of the West Brom attacking duo covered themselves in glory during West Brom's recent play-off games, however, with Diangana only making 12 accurate passes in West Brom's disappointing 3-1 second-leg collapse away at Southampton.
But, the addition of Cannon could well make Corberan's men more exciting going forward soon, as another promotion charge is eyed up.
Leicester must cash in on Rodgers signing who earns more than Ndidi & Soule
Steve Cooper will be preparing to offload a number of Leicester City players to balance the books.
ByKelan Sarson Jul 27, 2024
Over the last couple of years, Everton have conducted excellent business in the transfer market, turning their attention to younger talents and allowing them to develop at Goodison Park rather than signing big-money players who are past their best.
Jarrad Branthwaite arrived on Merseyside a couple of years ago for just £1m from Carlisle United and has bided his time and eventually made a huge impact on the Toffees' first-team so far this campaign.
He started all but three matches in the Premier League under boss Sean Dyche last season, with his form catching the eye of Manchester United who have been constantly touted with a move to sign the youngster during the transfer window.
Whilst the club wouldn't want to lose their young talent this summer, it is a reflection of the excellent dealings in the market, with the club needing to focus more on emerging stars in the years ahead.
Their recent dealings have continued this season, signing talented youngsters Tim Iroegbunam and Iliman Ndiaye, with Dyche targeting more players to further bolster his impressive Toffees squad.
Everton transfer news
Over the last couple of weeks, Everton have been linked with various midfielders to try and provide added depth to the Toffees squad. Many names have been thrown into the mix, but one player won’t be arriving at Goodison Park – during this transfer window at least.
Journalist Santi Arouna recently claimed that the club had made an offer to sign Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi. He was wanted by a whole host of other clubs after the Nigerian, who featured 32 times for the Foxes last season, failed to agree a new deal at the King Power Stadium, despite the Foxes' return to England’s top flight.
However, in recent days, the 27-year-old penned a new deal with Steve Cooper’s side, ending the Toffees’ chances of securing a deal for the midfielder.
Despite the failure to secure a deal for Ndidi, the club have made contact over signing Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, who’s free to leave the Italian giants this summer.
They face stiff competition from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, but no offer has been made, with both sides still battling it out for the Brazilian’s signature.
However, the aforementioned duo are both valued lower than one star who has excelled on Merseyside under the guidance of boss Dyche.
James Tarkowski’s market value in 2024
After departing Burnley at the end of his contract, centre-back James Tarkowski joined the Toffees on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, under then-boss Frank Lampard.
The “sensational” central defender, as described by journalist Joe Thomas, has been ever-present at the heart of the Toffees backline since his arrival, featuring in all but one minute of the club's battle against relegation in the last two campaigns – a staggering record.
He's been a reliable figure for Everton, maintaining his fitness for two full seasons and avoiding any injuries – a real rarity in modern football, especially given the frantic schedule the players have to endure.
Games played
38
Minutes played
3,419'
Pass accuracy
78%
Dribbles success
80%
Aerials won
70%
Tackles won
42
Interceptions
56
As a result, Tarkowski has seen a sharp upturn in his value, with the defender now valued at £16.6m, as per Football Transfers. His subsequent market value is higher than Ndidi and Arthur Melo, with the duo only valued at £12.8m and £10.3m, respectively.
In what has been a tricky season for off-the-field reasons, Tarkowski has proved to be a shining light on the pitch, with the former Burnley man able to lead the club's push towards mid-table security this season.
His leadership skills have allowed Branthwaite to thrive in his first full campaign of Premier League football, with Dyche hoping he can still have the partnership at his disposal coming the opening game of the season in less than 6 weeks' time.
Everton have already struck gold on a star who's worth more than Philogene
He’s been an excellent addition for the Toffees since his move to Goodison Park.
ByEthan Lamb Jul 12, 2024
Looking to get their summer business underway, Celtic are reportedly monitoring one of Sweden's highest rated prospects ahead of a potential deal to sign a fresh face for Brendan Rodgers' side.
Celtic transfer news
The Scottish Premiership champions continued their domestic dominance last season, beating Rangers to the title in a dramatic race to keep hold of their crown for a third consecutive campaign.
Celtic have ÂŁ7m+ offer accepted to seal "statement signing"
He’s been at Euro 2024.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 26, 2024
Now, aiming for a fourth title win on the bounce, Celtic may yet turn towards the transfer market in hope of adding further improvements ahead of pre-season. And whilst they are yet to get their summer business underway, the headlines have still linked the Bhoys with a number of incomings, including the likes of Edmund Baidoo and a permanent deal for Adam Idah.
The Norwich City forward spent last season on loan at Celtic Park, where he discovered his most clinical form in front of goal to earn interest over a permanent switch this summer. Having played an important part in Celtic's title and Scottish Cup win, Idah's arrival would undoubtedly be an ideal way to kickstart their summer transfer window, before they turn their attention towards a potential future star.
According to Swedish outlet FD, Celtic are monitoring Pontus Dahbo ahead of a potential deal to sign the Hacken 18-year-old this summer. Rated as one of the best prospects in Sweden, the attacking midfielder has a reported price tag of just £3m and could yet be on his way to Scotland in the coming months. It would represent quite the planning from the Bhoys if they managed to land a player with such potential.
"Strong" Dahbo is one for the future
At just 18 years old, Dahbo impressed many in Sweden last season, making 23 appearances and scoring twice whilst also turning provider on one occasion for Hacken. Now, following his first steps into first-team football, the young attacking midfielder could now make his biggest move yet and hand Celtic a talent who is only likely to get better. Described as "creative" by Antonio Mango, Dahbo is seemingly just getting started.
That trademark technique could eventually help replace Matt O'Riley in Rodgers' side, with the Dane's Celtic future thrown into doubt in recent months. The midfielder enjoyed a standout season in Scotland last season to earn links with the likes of West Ham United, but remains a Celtic player nonetheless.
If O'Riley does depart, then lining up players such as Dahbo will be a crucial part of replacing arguably Celtic's best player for years to come.
The European Championships may have grabbed the footballing world's attention over the last week or so, but like the rest of the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur have a busy summer of transfers to prepare for.
The Lilywhites enjoyed a bumpy first season under Ange Postecoglou that ended in Europa League qualification, but if the Australian is going to succeed in taking the club back to the top, he'll need to have the best players at his disposal.
So, it's good news that, based on recent reports, he could soon have a new clinical number nine in his squad who could form a deadly partnership with Son Heung-min.
Tottenham Hotspur transfer news
According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Tottenham Hotspur have agreed personal terms with Brentford striker Ivan Toney ahead of a potential move.
However, the report has also claimed that the Bees have turned down the Lilywhites' initial £40m bid and that while they value the Englishman at £65m, an offer of around £55m should be enough to seal the deal.
It won't be a cheap deal to complete, but given how impressive Toney's goalscoring record was before this season, it's probably one worth pursuing, especially as his link-up with Son has the potential to be brilliant.
Why Toney would be a great teammate for Son
Now, the elephant in the room is Toney's record this season following his return from his eight-month football ban for betting offences.
In 17 appearances, the 28-year-old managed a reasonable if unspectacular return of just four goals and two assists, equating to a goal involvement on average every 2.8 games.
Toney' record since promotion
Season
2021/22
2022/23
2023/24
Appearances
37
35
17
Goals
14
21
4
Assists
6
5
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.54
0.74
0.35
All Stats via Transfermarkt
However, it would be incredibly unfair to judge him solely on those 17 games, considering the incredibly unusual circumstances that came before them, especially when, the season before, he managed to return 26 goals and assists in 35 games for the Bees and the campaign before that, it was 20 goals and assists in 37.
When looking at his output since winning promotion to the Premier League with Brentford as a whole, it becomes impossible to deny that the three-capped international is an excellent striker, and as such, he would help improve Postecoglou's attack in N17.
Specifically, though, his ability to finish chances would surely help club captain Son reach another level, as according to Understat, the South Korean underperformed his expected assists figure by 3.34.
Richarlison might have ended the campaign with a respectable tally of 12 goals and four assists in 31 games, but he has never managed to reach 20 goal involvements in a single season.
In contrast, the "unplayable" Brentford ace, as dubbed by Alan Shearer, has managed to do that twice in his last two full campaigns.
Therefore, while the Brazilian is a valuable player to have in the squad, he's never going to be the sort of nine who could help Son reach 15 plus assists in a single campaign, whereas the Northampton-born "monster", as dubbed by his manager Thomas Frank, certainly is.
Tottenham look to ÂŁ50 million Premier League star as possible Hojbjerg heir
The Denmark international is expected to leave.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 15, 2024
Ultimately, it won't be a cheap deal to complete, but with how effective Toney has been when he's been given a full season to play, Tottenham cannot afford to miss out on his signature this season, and neither can Son, for that matter.
With the Arne Slot era now officially underway, Liverpool reportedly want to get their summer transfer window off to the perfect start by beating Manchester United to a future star.
Liverpool transfer news
It could be a busy summer for the Reds on all fronts, as Michael Edwards looks to take Liverpool up another level with Slot handed the almost impossible task of replacing Jurgen Klopp. The returning club chief may also need to work on convincing certain players to stay put, with exit links emerging for both Caoimhin Kelleher and Joe Gomez in what would be a frustrating double blow.
On the incoming front, meanwhile, impressive names such as Rodrygo and Aurelien Tchouameni have been mentioned, who have both just won the Champions League with Real Madrid, defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley. Away from Europe's current stars, however, the Reds have reportedly turned their attention towards a player for the future, who's certainly not short on admirers.
According to Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool now "want" to sign Assan Ouedraogo ahead of rivals Manchester United this summer as well as Aston Villa and Newcastle United. The 18-year-old reportedly has a release clause of just £12m which lasts until mid-June, with the race now open for his signature following Bayern Munich's decision to not pursue the young midfielder in the coming months.
Liverpool considering swoop for “unstoppable” £87m Nunez upgrade
This fearsome marksman has already scored 49 times under Slot.
ByAngus Sinclair Jun 2, 2024
It's certainly a busy race for Ouedraogo's signature even without Bayern's interest though, with Aston Villa and Newcastle sitting alongside Liverpool and United when it comes to interested parties and some Premier League clubs having already presented their projects to the Schalke man ahead of potential summer moves.
Whether Liverpool and Edwards have made such a presentation remains to be seen, but given Ouedraogo's potential, it's a race they should be hopeful of winning in the coming months.
"Talented" Ouedraogo can partner Elliott
Liverpool's academy was on show more than ever during the Klopp era in his final season and Harvey Elliott is one of the players to have once played in the Reds' academy, before moving into the first team in a path that Ouedraogo could follow. The young German has starred in the 2.Bundesliga this season and represents a player who has the potential to form quite the partnership with Elliott at the heart of Slot's side.
League stats per 90 23/24 (via FBref)
Assan Ouedraogo
Harvey Elliott
Starts
9
11
Goals
3
3
Assists
1
6
Ball Recoveries
4.35
5.20
Progressive Carries
2.28
2.93
Ouedraogo's been particularly impressive going forward in what is a trait that should slot straight into the current Liverpool side, especially as they look to help the likes of Darwin Nunez avoid a repeat of their disappointing form in front of goal at the end of the season.
Given the numbers, it's no surprise that Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig described Ouedraogo as "talented" on X, with Liverpool now keen to see that talent for themselves at Anfield this summer.
Jurgen Klopp’s final season as Liverpool manager has ended in disappointing fashion. Despite Carabao Cup success in February, the Reds failed to win any of the other three competitions that they were involved in.
In the Premier League, Liverpool will finish third, after a messy run of form ended their title hopes, with Manchester City in the box seat to win a fourth consecutive league title. Klopp’s side can, at most, end on 82 points this season.
Liverpool were knocked out of the Europa League in disappointing fashion to Atalanta, who overcame them across the two legs. In fact, the Italian side are now set to meet Bayer Leverkusen in the final, hoping to spoil their incredible unbeaten season.
Manchester United knocked the Reds out of the FA Cup, beating them in one of the most incredible cup ties of all time. A late winner in the dying embers of extra time from Ivorian Amad Diallo was enough to send Liverpool home.
With a summer of change coming up at Anfield, what with Klopp and assistant manager Pep Lijnders' departure, and Arne Slot’s pending appointment, it could well be the end of several players’ time at the club. In particular, one classy midfielder could be on his way out of Anfield.
Liverpool star set to leave the club
The player in question here is elegant Spanish midfielder Thiago. He joined the club from Bayern Munich in 2020, for a fee of £20m plus £5m in potential add-ons. However, after four years in Merseyside, he will depart this summer.
This was confirmed by The Atheltic journalist James Pearce last week, who discussed in an article that 33-year-old Thiago “will leave as a free agent when his contract expires this summer."
As for his destination, Saudi Arabian clubs could well battle it out for Thiago’s signature this summer. Football Insider have explained that a move to Saudi is his “most likely destination”, although a return to his native Spain could also be on the cards.
Indeed, Thiago’s time at Liverpool has been clouded by injuries. This season, he has played a single game in all competitions, making a fleeting five-minute appearance off the bench against Arsenal in the Premier League.
2020/21
95
27
2021/22
98
23
2022/23
365
57
2023/24
101
22
Stats from Transfermarkt
He has played 98 times for the Reds in total, scoring three and assisting six. Yet, he has missed an astonishing 129 games due to eight injuries and contracting COVID, which has kept him out for a total of 659 days.
Thiago’s wage in 2024
Given the sheer number of injuries he has suffered, it will no doubt be frustrating for Liverpool to have had such an exceptional player like Thiago unavailable for such a long period of time. Not only that, he is one of the top earners at the club.
According to Capology, there are only two players who earn more than the £200k-per-week that Thiago is on; Mohamed Salah, the club’s highest earner, who takes home £350k-per-week, and Virgil van Dijk, who receives £220k-per-week. Indeed, Thiago earns more than Liverpool stars including Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is on £180k per week, and Alisson, who earns £150k per week.
That's pretty staggering, particularly in Alexander-Arnold's case. Having captained Liverpool this season at various stages, he is the future under Slot and having supplied 19 assists in the last two seasons, deserves a little more cash.
That said, Liverpool fans must surely view it as a real shame Thiago’s move to Liverpool was ravaged by injuries so much; he is a classy midfielder, who would have lit up the Premier League had he been fully fit.
Given the change of era at Liverpool, and the reports that Thiago will leave the club at the end of the season, it is certainly something that seems inevitable.
Incoming manager Slot will no doubt want to stamp his own identity onto the side. That could see the likes of Thiago, and potentially some other big earners, depart the club for pastures anew. FSG and Co are making the right decision by not renewing his terms at Anfield.
Slot must instantly ditch Liverpool ace who earns more than Jones & Elliott
This Klopp signing is not going to lift Liverpool to another level under Arne Slot.
ByAngus Sinclair May 15, 2024
Tottenham Hotspur are no different, and while Ange Postecoglou did well in his first campaign, guiding the club to Europa League qualification, he'll need quality additions to help him take that next step.
However, while it's the incomings that usually grab the headlines, and understandably so, the Lilywhites need to make some sales as well, especially in the case of one attacker who joined the club under former boss Nuno Espírito Santo and is now worth eight times less than Dejan Kulusevski.
Bryan Gil's Tottenham Hotspur career
The player in question is Spanish winger Bryan Gil, who joined Spurs in a £22m deal from Sevilla in July 2021.
There was an element of excitement around the then-20-year-old at the time, as he had already picked up a few senior Spain caps and was part of their squad for the Tokyo Olympics, but in the three years since, it would be impossible to describe his move as a success.
In his first season after signing, the Barbate-born winger made 20 appearances for the first-team, failed to score and provided one assist before he was sent out on a six-month loan to La Liga side Valencia, where he managed to return just a single assist in 17 games.
His second season as a Spurs player wasn't much better, as he managed just one assist in 11 appearances before going back to Spain for a second six-month loan, this time with Sevilla. There, he did reasonably well, scoring twice and providing three assists in 24 games and helping the side win the Europa League final to boot.
However, this campaign has been his worst to date, as a mixture of injuries and Postecoglou not fancying him in the side led to the Spaniard making just 12 appearances, totalling 233 minutes, in which he was understandably unable to produce a single goal involvement.
Appearances
20
11
12
Goals
0
0
0
Assists
1
1
0
Goal Involvements per Match
0.05
0.09
0.00
Overall, the 23-year-old has lost his place in the team and any sense of positive momentum this season, and his recent valuation reflects that.
Bryan Gil's valuation in 2024
According to the CIES Football Observatory, Gil is now worth just €10m, which converts to slightly less than £9m, or around £13m less than the price Spurs paid for him in 2021.
1
Dejan Kulusevski
€80m(£68mm)
24
2
Brennan Johnson
€60m(£51m)
23
3
Timo Werner
€20m(£17m)
28
4
Manor Solomon
€10m(£9m)
24
4
Bryan Gil
€10m(£9m)
23
5
Mikey Moore
€5m(£4m)
16
5
Yago Santiago
€5m(£4m)
21
It also means the former Sevilla ace is now only the joint fourth most valuable winger at the club, alongside Manor Solomon and ahead of youth players Mikey Moore and Yago Santiago.
Worse yet, his new price is eight times lower than Kulusevski's €80m valuation, which converts to around £68m.
The Swede might not put up numbers comparable to other wingers like Bukayo Saka or Cole Palmer, but his return of 34 goal involvements in 96 games for the north Londoners is undoubtedly impressive, and with him being just 24 years old, it makes sense to see the CIES value him so highly.
Ultimately, while keeping hold of the former Juventus wideman should be a priority for the club going forward, so should selling Gil, as his £40k-per-week wages are not being justified at the moment.
Spurs must finally axe "incredible" Poch flop worth 9x less than Maddison
The “huge talent” has had a torrid five years in N17.
ByJack Salveson Holmes May 18, 2024
If they can offload him this summer – as Fabrizio Romano has suggested they might – they may still be able to get a small fee, whereas another season like this one next year could make him practically impossible to sell.
Leeds United got their stuttering promotion charge at the top of Championship back on track with a win over Middlesbrough on Monday night, but it was anything but smooth sailing for the Whites at the Riverside Stadium.
Michael Carrick's men constantly found a way to unnerve and unsettle Daniel Farke's automatic promotion-chasing Whites, with Emmanuel Latte Lath in particular causing the likes of Joe Rodon and Illan Meslier all sorts of bother in the barnstorming 4-3 contest.
The final scoreline would ultimately swing in Leeds' favour to the visible relief of the German manager at full-time, helped by Wilfried Gnonto putting in another blistering display from down the right wing.
Now onto nine goals in all competitions for the season after firing home for 3-2 against Boro, the £3.8m fee Leeds splashed to sign Gnonto only two years ago continues to look like an absolute masterstroke.
Wilfried Gnonto's transfer to Leeds
If Leeds do end up parting ways with their dynamic Italian attacker in the very near future, the Whites will take some reassurance away from the fact they will end up making a very healthy profit on their star player.
The £3.8m spent to secure the slick winger's services from FC Zurich at the back end of 2022 continues to look like a golden bargain, with the 20-year-old ripping it up in the Championship as of late with Daniel James having to make do with a spot on the Leeds bench recently as a result.
The deal looks even more like a steal when you evaluate the millions Leeds wasted on other flops in the same transfer window Gnonto arrived into Elland Road, with the likes of Brenden Aaronson costing the Whites a reported £25m who is now nowhere to be seen in Farke's promotion-chasing camp.
Leeds won't think about selling on their standout 5 foot 7 winger just yet however even with higher-up suitors rumoured to be eyeing up his services, hoping that the 20-year-old can continue delivering in pressurised games to steer Leeds even closer to an immediate return to the Premier League.
Georginio Rutter
£36m
Brenden Aaronson
£25m
Luis Sinisterra
£21m
Tyler Adams
£20m
Marc Roca
£10.9m
Maximilian Wober
£10m
Darko Gyabi
£5m
Wilfried Gnonto
£3.8m
Wilfried Gnonto's numbers at Leeds
Gnonto would quickly become a fan's favourite during his first season donning Leeds white, succeeding whilst other names on that extensive list failed to settle down in their new West Yorkshire location.
The diminutive winger would net four goals during his debut season in all competitions, with one of those strikes coming in the FA Cup – away from the slog of the Premier League – against Cardiff City where the attacker would net this sublime beauty.
Gnonto also terrorised top-flight defences for Leeds even with his team suffering relegation at the end of his first campaign, with football talent scout Antonio Mango describing the Italian attacker as "explosive" in the process.
It wasn't a shock, therefore, to see a number of Premier League clubs circle for the 20-year-old's services in the immediate aftermath of Leeds' disastrous demise down to the second tier, with Gnonto even refusing to play at the start of this campaign to try and push a move through.
Gnonto would eventually decide to knuckle down and stay put in West Yorkshire away from being a disruptive presence, a smart decision by the now on-fire number 29 who has become even better under Farke.
His electric display away at Boro showed off how crucial he is to his side's promotion chances currently away from just his decisive strike getting the better of a shaky Seny Dieng, with a remarkable 11 ground duels won as a constant livewire at the Riverside.
Leeds slapping a bumper £30m fee above Gnonto's head is no coincidence therefore, with Farke fully aware that the likes of Everton will come back in for the former Inter Milan man soon.
Wilfried Gnonto's transfer value in 2024
That £30m price tag means the 20-year-old is now worth two times more than Kalvin Phillips' value currently, further exposing how much the former Leeds great has fallen off since leaving the comforts of Elland Road behind for the riches of Manchester City and how much Gnonto has grown to become an exciting and valuable asset.
In the case of Phillips, the struggling star has seen his value slide all the way down to a meagre £13.3m, as per Football Transfers, with his loan stint at West Ham the latest chapter in his ongoing downfall.
Phillips will look to resurrect his faltering career after his dismal Hammers spell is over, with Leeds reportedly even taking a fancy to bringing back their former academy product to West Yorkshire in the summer.
They'll definitely be able to get him back for a cut-price, whilst knowing they can definitely sell on Gnonto for far more than the £3.8m they paid to Zurich only two years ago.
It remains to be seen what Gnonto's future entails at Leeds, but if Leeds do slip up at the final hurdle in their hunt to win promotion back to the top flight, expect the 20-year-old to be edging for a move to the Premier League without the Whites.
Leeds could soon cash in on a player who's worth more than Dan James
Leeds United will be faced with a conundrum about what to do with this star in the summer.
ByKelan Sarson Apr 21, 2024