‘Anything can happen’: Director responds to Leeds bid for his £7m star

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Italy international Wilfried Gnonto has not had his head turned by interest from Premier League giants Leeds United, FC Zurich’s sporting director Marinko Jurendic tells Swiss publication Blick. 

With speculation regarding a potential £7 million move to Elland Road going into overload last week, how much can we read into Gnonto’s missed penalty during Zurich’s 4-0 Swiss Cup victory over Cham on Sunday afternoon? 

Well, not much.

At least, that is according to Jurendic, the club’s sporting director insisting that Gnonto will remain a key part of the Zurich squad until the day comes that Leeds reach an agreement with the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Italian national team. 

Leeds United have offered £4m for Italy striker Wilfried Gnonto

“That’s far-fetched,” Jurendic responds when asked if the ongoing speculation played a role in Gnonto’s failure to convert from 12 yards. 

“It is important that he performs like any other player and tries to make the best possible use of his chances. He has to work on that next time (to ensure) he does it better from a penalty.

“We will certainly not give any (credence to) reports about the current situation around the transfer. Willi is still with us. And as long as that is the case, he must also perform. I hope that he gives us joy.

“The transfer window is open until August 31st. Anything can happen there. But as long as he’s here, he’ll be used like any other squad player.”

The former Inter Milan youngster scored 10 times during his excellent breakthrough season at Zurich, before making history with the Azzurri against Germany in the Nations League earlier this summer. 

Leeds have offered £4 million. Zurich, however, want closer to £7 million for a player out of contract in 2023. 

“We think very highly of him,” Leeds coach Jesse Marsch told Leeds Live in the build up to Sunday’s 3-0 dismantling of Chelsea at a rocking Elland Road.  

“He’s a young talented player. I think we’re very active in pursuing things and we have some strategies. Let’s see how they play out.”