Leeds United have accepted a bid for Willy Gnonto from Everton and it could hand outcast Helder Costa a surprise return – with the Angolan back on Monday for pre-season, ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Manchester United.
Gnonto, 19, is potentially one of four wingers that could leave Leeds this summer. The Italy star has been strongly linked with the exit door, as have Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra and Cree Summerville. It leaves Leeds light out wide.
Sport Italia report that Leeds have accepted an £18.8m offer from Everton for Gnonto, and he is ‘very close’ to going to Sean Dyche’s side. He is unlikely to be the last that departs, with Harrison, Sinisterra and Summerville likely to go.
So, Leeds need wingers. Dan James has returned from a loan at Fulham and is widely expected to be a part of the Leeds squad next season. But for 29-year-old Costa, where does his future lie? Is there a chance of a Leeds lifeline?
Leeds accept Willy Gnonto bid, could hand Helder Costa a surprise return
Costa of course, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Valencia and Al-Ittihad, winning the League under Nuno Espirito Santo last season. He has a year left on his contract, after completing a permanent £15m move in 2020.
The YEP claim that his agent, Jorge Mendes, is likely to be looking for another exit for Costa this summer. But with Leeds lacking wingers and selling Gnonto, as well as a return to the Championship – Leeds could bring him back in.
Costa’s stats in England’s second tier are eye-catching. Playing 114 times, starting only 84 of those matches, he has had a hand in 39 goals. He is still a player Leeds can turn to out wide, rather than splashing cash on another winger.
So for two reasons – Gnonto leaving and other wide options expected to join him, and a return to the Championship – could see Leeds make the surprise decision to bring Costa back into the fold. He may feature on Wednesday.
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