Ex-Jewel is in high demand: drama in Leeds makes FCZ dream of millions of rain

The reason: When selling the 19-year-old storm jewel to Leeds in the Premier League, Zurich had a slew of contractual clauses built into the deal, which could soon be worth millions more.

Gnonto were relegated on the last day of the Premier League with Leeds. But the offensive player broke through in no time. 27 league games, including 17 in the starting eleven, 4 goals, 4 assists. And high praise from TV pundits like Gary Neville.

The transfer value of Gnonto is 30 million

The Italians of “Calciomercato” are now reporting that even ManCity and Arsenal have cast an eye on the ex-FCZ superjoker. Since Gnonto still has a contract until 2027, there is a transfer fee of around 25 million euros. The football observatory CIES in Neuchâtel NE estimates Gnonto’s transfer value at 30 million. In addition to the English, half of the Serie A, including Juventus, are also interested in the Italian international, who hardly wants to play second-rate at Leeds because of the European Championship 2024.

Gnonto left his homeland for Switzerland at the age of 16 because Inter had not even signed his junior with a contract. The free transfer coup for FCZ and the extraordinary career path for Gnonto have really paid off.

Not yet of legal age, he grew into a top player in the Super League under coach André Breitenreiter. Then even the first performances for the Squadra Azzurra follow, which opens the door for a Premier League substitution at all due to the strict Brexit rules.

Canepa expects an amount in the millions

Now England’s substitution at FCZ could cause another million rain. Leeds paid about 4.5 million francs last August. But if it is actually a transfer in the order of 25 million or more, the deal could soon be worth much more thanks to the bonuses and rewards (number of appearances, point yield, table position, sell-through, etc.).

Particularly the participation in the resale gives – it could easily exceed the 4.5 million that Leeds has already paid. FCZ president Ancillo Canepa said immediately after the transfer that there was a high probability that tens of millions would eventually come: “The change went on stage on the terms, as we imagined.”

But it won’t be soon. Also because the relegated Leeds no longer has a sporting leadership after the divorce of sports director Victor Orta.