Willy Gnonto’s exit talks at Leeds United have stalled as the clock counts down to his move to Freiburg.

Willy Gnonto’s transfer to SC Freiburg is “stuck” because the Bundesliga club cannot afford Leeds United’s £21.5 million asking price, according to 90min Germany.

According to the website (6 August), Leeds are under no pressure to let go of Gnonto, who is under contract until 2027, but Freiburg are particularly interested in the 19-year-old as the clock approaches the German transfer deadline.

The Italian international requested a permanent departure from the Whites and preferred a move to Europe-qualifying Freiburg, according to German publication Bild on Sunday (6 August), but time is running short for any deal to be finalised.

Stuck

With this compromise, it appears that neither party can agree on anything.

If Leeds are unwilling to reduce the asking price for Gnonto, he is unlikely to move to his preferred destination. Freiburg is poised for a successful season after finishing fifth in the German Bundesliga and qualifying for the Europa League group stages.

Meanwhile, Gnonto may continue to compete in the Championship. He began the Whites’ first match against Cardiff City on Sunday (6 August), but was replaced by Joe Gelhardt in the final ten minutes as they lost 2-1.

While a last-minute equalise from Crysencio Summerville saved Daniel Fakre‘s blushes on the first day, there is still a lot to accomplish behind the scenes at Leeds, with Gnonto being one of the most pressing issues.

However, if Gnonto does not leave the club this summer, he will likely become uncomfortable and underperform, which means Leeds may want to sell him even if the cost is below his worth.

Gnonto is under contract with Leeds United until 2027, making a transaction more difficult, and Freiburg will face an uphill battle if they wish to make the move.

If Leeds wanted to get the most out of their star forward, Everton would have been a good alternative, with Tuttomercato stating that the Toffees are still keen.

According to Fabrizio Romano, with Youssef Chermiti just a medical away from finalising his move to Goodison Park, the Toffees may not see the need to add more in attack.

Gnonto appears to be in transfer limbo, with his desired destination appearing doubtful. Leeds must be cautious that they upset one of their most sought-after players.