Leeds United have announced the signing of teenage forward and Italy international Wilfried Gnonto from FC Zurich.
The 18-year-old has penned a five-year contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2027, in a deal thought to be worth in the region on £5m.
Gnonto becomes Jesse Marsch's ninth signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra, Darko Gyabi, Joel Robles and Sonny Perkins.
Born in Verbania, Gnonto spent eight years in Inter Milan's youth academy before moving to Switzerland and joining Zurich in the summer of 2020.
✍️ #LUFC is pleased to confirm the signing of Italian international Wilfried Gnonto from FC Zurich
— Leeds United (@LUFC) September 1, 2022
The forward made 26 appearances in his first season at Zurich, before elevating his game to new heights in the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists to help the club win their first Swiss top-flight title in 13 years.
Gnonto's impressive form at club level was recognised by Italy manager Roberto Mancini, who handed the teenager his international debut against Germany in the UEFA Nations League on June 4.
Just 10 days later, the forward scored his first goal for the senior national team in the reverse fixture against Germany to become the Azzurri's youngest-ever goalscorer.
Gnonto has made four appearances in total for Mancini's side and leaves Zurich after playing 74 times in all tournaments, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists.
It remains to be seen whether Gnonto was registered in time to make his Leeds debut in the Premier League away at Brentford on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
