SC Freiburg are pushing to sign Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto this summer, with Leeds reportedly open to a permanent sale or a loan with an obligation to buy. The 22-year-old — a former Italy international and record-breaking teenager — would get a Bundesliga reset, while Leeds would free room in attack ahead of the new season.
Freiburg pursue Wilfried Gnonto as Leeds weigh summer exit
Leeds United are considering offers for Wilfried Gnonto as Bundesliga side SC Freiburg intensifies interest ahead of the summer transfer window. Leeds are said to be open to either a permanent sale or a loan that includes an obligation to buy, making Gnonto a realistic transfer target for Freiburg if terms can be agreed.
Player profile and recent form
Gnonto joined Leeds from FC Zürich in 2022 on a five-year deal and has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in the Premier League. He has made 45 top-flight appearances for Leeds, contributing two goals and seven assists, in addition to 79 Championship outings where he produced 17 goals and eight assists.
At international level Gnonto earned 13 caps for Italy between 2022 and 2023 and became the youngest scorer for the Azzurri at 18 years and 222 days in a Nations League match against Germany. He has not featured for Italy in the last three years.
Why Freiburg makes tactical and strategic sense
Freiburg operate under a recruitment model that prioritises young, high-upside players who can be coached into consistent performers. Gnonto’s raw pace, directness and left-sided profile align with Bundesliga demands and Freiburg’s emphasis on quick transitions.
A move to Germany could provide Gnonto with the regular minutes he has lacked at Leeds, allowing his development to resume in a league known for nurturing young attackers rather than benching them.
What a transfer would mean for Leeds United
For Leeds the sale or structured loan of Gnonto would free wage and squad space while generating transfer income or a deferred obligation. It’s a pragmatic decision for a club reshaping its attack and managing financial flexibility ahead of the summer market. Accepting a loan with an obligation to buy would reduce short-term risk while guaranteeing a future receipt — a compromise often used when clubs want to balance sporting needs with financial constraints.
Implications for Gnonto’s international prospects
Regular playing time in the Bundesliga would be Gnonto’s best route back into Italy contention. The national setup rewards consistent top-level minutes; a standout season in Germany could reopen doors that have remained shut since 2023. This move is less about prestige and more about repair: a chance to convert early potential into performance.
Next steps and timeline
Discussions are expected to centre on transfer structure, fee and guarantees. Any agreement will hinge on medicals and squad planning as both clubs navigate the summer window. The deal is not presented as straightforward, but Freiburg’s persistence suggests this will be one to watch as transfer activity accelerates.
Bottom line
Freiburg’s interest gives Gnonto a credible pathway to revive his trajectory while offering Leeds a sensible exit option.
SC Freiburg are pushing to sign Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto
For the player, the priority should be consistent minutes; for Freiburg, it’s a calculated gamble on high upside. If terms align, this could be a low-risk, high-reward transfer for all parties.
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