Leeds United could lose one of their most dangerous stars amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia, despite already having concerns about the quality of their attacking depth.
Roy Keane gives Leeds survival verdict
Leeds and the rest of the promoted teams have shocked the rest of the Premier League so far. Along with Burnley and Sunderland, the Elland Road side are aiming to end their rookie spell and become the first of six teams to survive their first return to the top flight.
“The pressure in the Premier League is extreme for managers, whether they’re at the top or at the bottom. We’ll have to keep an eye on the coming months because it looks like there’s a chance for the promoted teams.”
“In recent years everyone thought they were going to go backwards. There’s definitely more panic at clubs like Forest and Brentford. Already Forest and West Ham have sacked managers.” (Roy Keane of Overlap)
Leeds currently sit four points above the drop zone and could move into the top half if results go well after the international break. Manager Daniel Farke has spent much of the summer expressing concerns that his team lacked sufficient attacking power, but he will be pleased to see his side have already achieved so much.
Unfortunately, the Germans’ work is not done yet. Leeds must get back to winning ways and continue their good start after losing to Tottenham Hotspur last time out. Then, come January, it will be all about keeping the best players available and fending off interest from the Saudi Professional League if reports suggest.
Saudi billionaire prepares to move to Gnont
As reported by MOT Leeds News, Saudi billionaires Neom and Al Ittihad are preparing to sign Wilfried Gnont from Leeds in January. With PIF’s wealth, both clubs could present an offer that would be difficult for all involved to refuse, but the Yorkshire club must stick to its guns.
With less than three years remaining on Gnont’s current contract, Leeds should not be in any rush to sign the talented winger midway through this season. Moreover, given Falke’s attacking concerns, it is clear that the Italian still has a role to play.
All eyes will be on Gnont to return to full fitness after the international break, having started three of the four Premier League games before his season was suspended due to a calf injury.
The 21-year-old is one of Leeds’ brightest attacking sparks and is someone who has already won praise from the likes of Jermaine Beckford, who once said: “He’s a very straightforward person, and I have a lot of respect for him.”
However, there are many who would deny Saudi Arabia’s wealth in European football, and Leeds could face an uphill battle in Gnont’s way come January.