Gent coach Jess Thorup admits that Jonathan David has had his head turned, with the Leeds United target left out of the matchday squad for a second game in a row, while speaking to Het Laaste Nieuws.
A matter of days after the Premier League newcomers were linked with a move for one of Europe’s hottest young strikers, the Canada international was nowhere to be seen as Gent took on Metz in a pre-season friendly last week.
Brooklyn-born David was ‘mentally not ready’ – at least according to Thorup (HLN).
And it seems that the 20-year-old is no closer to sorting his head out and getting back on the pitch.
David was conspicuous by his absence once again as Gent suffered a 2-1 friendly defeat to Jupiler League rivals Zulte Waregam on Saturday, with speculation suggesting he has played his final game in Gent colours.
“I speak to Jonathan every day,” Thorup says.
“There is a lot going on around him. He participates in training, but at the moment he prefers not to play matches. He thinks the risk is too great for him and for the club.
“I hope we find a solution soon. The sooner that happens, the better, so that we no longer have to worry about who can and cannot be picked.”
Reading between the lines, it sounds a lot like David is worried about picking up an injury which could wreck his chances of securing a big-money move this summer, amid speculation linking the striker with Lille, Arsenal, Tottenham and, most recently, Leeds.
Gent president Ivan de Witte told De Zondag last week that the £27 million-rated North American sensation has admirers at Elland Road, while The Mail claims that Leeds’ offer is better than the one on the table from Lille.
David produced 23 goals and ten assists in 2019/20, scoring against St Etienne and Roma in the Europa League.
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