Leeds United transfer news: Whites attacker wanted by Europa League finalists this summer?

CL move? European finalists 'pushing' to sign Leeds wantaway Gnonto

Leeds United attacker Willy Gnonto has reportedly attracted interest from Bundesliga side Freiburg ahead of the summer window.

The 22-year-old featured for 30 minutes off the bench on Sunday afternoon, when Daniel Farke's side secured a final-minute success over Brighton & Hove Albion courtesy of a Dominic Calvert-Lewin effort.

Picking up their 11th top-flight victory of the campaign at the expense of the Seagulls, Leeds moved up to 14th spot in the Premier League standings, just two points behind Chelsea in 10th position.

Gnonto has started just four top-flight games for the Whites in 2025-26, with the likes of Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson preferred by head coach Farke in the attacking positions.

The left-sided attacker has not been helped by Leeds' switch to a 3-5-2 formation - one which does not easily facilitate the use of a out-and-out winger such as the 13-time Italy international.

Leeds man Gnonto wanted by Europa League finalists?

According to transfer specialist Florian Plettenberg, Leeds winger Gnonto is attracting high-profile interest from the continent ahead of the summer transfer window, in which his Elland Road ties could be cut.

The report claims that Europa League finalists Freiburg are keen on securing the services of the 22-year-old over the course of the off-season, commencing talks with the player's representatives.

It is understood that Leeds are willing to sanction a permanent exit for Gnonto, whilst also being open to a loan deal with an obligation to buy for a specified amount during the summer window of 2027.

It is believed that discussions between all of the concerned parties have started, with Freiburg trying to sort out an agreement for a couple of weeks now, experiencing difficulty in reaching a handshake moment.

Over recent months, Gnonto's Leeds starts have been limited to cup competitions, with the Italian last starting a competitive fixture at West Ham United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on April 5.

Intriguing option for Gnonto

Linked with Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City during his teenage years, Gnonto is looking to get his career back on track, with the attacker falling out of favour at Elland Road.

Only seventh in the Bundesliga table and a relative underdog, Freiburg may appear as an unusual suitor for the 22-year-old, however, the German side represent an intriguing option for the winger.

Should Julian Schuster's side beat Aston Villa in Istanbul on Wednesday night, the Bundesliga minnows will be plying their trade in the Champions League next season - an enticing prospect for Gnonto.


Vote in the 2025-26 Sports Mole Readers' Awards!

Cast your votes for the 2025-26 Sports Mole Reader Awards' below - pick your Premier League player of the season, worst signing of the season, European player of the season and more.

Voting will be open until 11pm on Sunday, May 24, and the winners will be announced on Monday, May 25!

Readers’ Awards

Sports Mole Awards 2025‑26

Vote for your winners across 11 categories — all optional

11 categories
Category 1 of 11

Premier League Player of the Season

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 2 of 11

Premier League Manager of the Season

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 3 of 11

Premier League Signing of the Season

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 4 of 11

Premier League Worst Signing of the Season

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 5 of 11

Premier League Overachievers of the Season

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 6 of 11

Premier League Underachievers of the Season

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 7 of 11

Premier League Goalkeeper of the Season

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 8 of 11

Premier League Defender of the Season

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 9 of 11

Premier League Midfielder of the Season

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 10 of 11

Premier League Attacker of the Season

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 11 of 11 — Final category

European Player of the Season

Choose one — then submit all your votes below

Thank you for voting!

Your votes have been recorded. Check back on Sports Mole soon to find out who our readers crowned the winners of the 2025‑26 season.

Sports Mole Readers’ Awards 2025‑26
Sports Mole Readers’ Awards — 2025‑26 season sportsmole.co.uk
Readers’ Awards

Sports Mole Awards 2025‑26

Voting opens Monday, May 18

Voting for the Sports Mole Awards 2025‑26 is not yet open. Come back on Monday, May 18 at 6am BST to cast your votes across all 11 categories.

Opens Monday, May 18 — 6am BST
Readers’ Awards

Sports Mole Awards 2025‑26

Voting has now closed

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Sports Mole Awards 2025‑26. Voting closed on Sunday, May 24 at 11pm BST. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 25.

Results announced Monday, May 25
Author photo

Written by

Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter

Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe