How much Leeds United would save on Willy Gnonto's wages as potential sale fear emerges | OneFootball

Fears have been raised that Gnonto could be sold this summer

Italian international winger Willy Gnonto was a standout performer for Leeds United throughout the season, despite not starting as much as potentially expected, as they sealed a return to the Premier League after two years away.

The Whites have recently been promoted to the Premier League as champions of the Championship, and preparations will have already begun for next term back in the top-flight as a major summer window beckons.

It has been confirmed that boss Daniel Farke will be staying in charge for next season, so while they revel in the celebrations of another promotion, it is clear that the German head-coach will be busy in the months to come with a whole host of incomings and outgoings set to be sanctioned.

Gnonto has been a Leeds player since 2022, and he registered nine goals and six assists in the league this season as he surpassed 100 appearances for the club in January.

One of FLW's Whites fan pundits Kris Smith has raised concerns that the club's hierarchy could consider selling him for a sizeable fee this summer to balance their books regarding profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

Leeds supporters will not want to see Gnonto leave anytime soon, but he could potentially depart to represent pure profit in line with the Premier League's financial rules. With that said, FLW have looked at his current Elland Road wages and how much they would save if he were to leave ahead of next season.

How much Willy Gnonto currently earns at Leeds United

21-year-old Gnonto is nearing the end of his third season at Leeds, having joined from FC Zurich in September 2022. According to Capology's estimates, he signed a contract worth £20,00-a-week at the club back then, or around £1.04 million-a-year.

The Italian international penned fresh terms at Elland Road last summer, amid reported transfer interest from Everton, and his new weekly wage was believed to have increased to an estimated £30,000, which works out at around £1.56m each year.

He signed a four-year deal last August, so if he was to be sold on in the coming months ahead of next season, Leeds would be in line to save around £4,680,000 from the three years left to run on his contract based off his current earnings.

How much Willy Gnonto earns compared to his Leeds teammates

Gnonto's earnings are pretty modest when compared to his impact on the Whites' fortunes over the last few years. He is the joint-10th highest earner at the club as it stands, with his wages believed to be the same as Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle and Karl Darlow, according to Capology's estimates.

Leeds' estimated highest earners understandably include some of their most high-profile players. Patrick Bamford is believed to be the top earner at Elland Road, on £70,000 per week, while Junior Firpo, Pascal Struijk, Dan James and Manor Solomon are all also near the top of the list.

Following their promotion to the Premier League, and Gnonto's important role in Farke's squad over the last few months, the pacey winger may well feel that he is slightly undervalued by Leeds in terms of his wages compared to his teammates.

It remains to be seen if that plays a part in him leaving this summer, but right now, Whites supporters can celebrate their promotion safe in the knowledge that no transfer rumours have yet to emerge of his possible exit, and it would take a sizeable fee to prise him from the West Yorkshire club anytime soon.