Key Points
- Leeds United are considering a summer move for Girona attacker Yáser Asprilla, currently on loan at Galatasaray, as a potential replacement for Wilfried Gnonto.
- Asprilla, a 22-year-old Colombian right winger, joined Girona from Watford in 2024 after a successful spell in England, and is valued at around £25 million.
- The interest stems from Leeds United’s precarious Premier League position, sitting 15th with 31 points from 27 matches and a -9 goal difference, facing a real risk of relegation.
- Wilfried Gnonto, the young Italian forward, faces an uncertain future at Elland Road, with reports of potential departure amid interest from Italian clubs, and he has not started a league game since November.
- Asprilla’s loan to Galatasaray includes an option to buy for up to €23 million if performance objectives are met, but Galatasaray are not obligated to purchase him.
- Leeds’ manager Daniel Farke is planning for squad changes, with Gnonto and midfielder Ao Tanaka out of favour and potentially sold in the summer.
- Asprilla has limited appearances at Galatasaray (one outing under manager Okan Buruk) and previously scored four goals in 50 matches for Girona.
- Despite fan rivalry concerns due to Galatasaray’s status, Leeds’ recruitment team is compiling a dossier on Asprilla to safeguard against Gnonto’s exit.
- Leeds back themselves to avoid relegation but acknowledge a potential slide into the Championship could trigger key player exits.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 25, 2026 – Leeds United’s transfer strategy hangs in the balance amid their fight for Premier League survival, with exclusive reports revealing interest in explosive Colombian winger Yáser Asprilla as a contingency for Wilfried Gnonto’s possible departure. The Yorkshire club, perched precariously in 15th place, are eyeing the Girona-owned talent currently loaned to Turkish giants Galatasaray. This development, first broken by SportsBoom, underscores the uncertainty enveloping Daniel Farke’s squad as the season nears its climax.
Who is Yáser Asprilla and Why is Leeds Interested?
As reported by Louis Hobbs of SportsBoom, Leeds United are eyeing Yáser Asprilla, the 22-year-old Colombian right winger regarded as one of his nation’s most promising talents, as a summer transfer target should they need to replace Wilfried Gnonto. Hobbs noted that
“Leeds United are eyeing up Yaser Asprilla as a summer transfer targets if Daniel Farke is forced to source a replacement for Wilfried Gnonto, SportsBoom can reveal”.
Asprilla, who joined Girona from Watford in the summer of 2024 for around €20 million, brings experience from English football having developed at Vicarage Road, where he made his senior international debut.
Girona FC officially announced the loan deal to Galatasaray on January 24, 2026, stating:
“Girona and Galatasaray have reached an agreement for the loan of the Colombian striker to the Turkish team. The agreement also includes a purchase option”.
According to Fabrizio Romano, as cited in TransferFeed, the deal features “a verbal agreement with Girona for an initial loan that includes an obligation-to-buy clause linked to a number of appearances. The final potential fee would be €23 million”. However, SportsBoom sources clarify that Galatasaray are “not obligated to purchase Asprilla once his temporary agreement there expires,” with the player having made only one outing under manager Okan Buruk so far.
What is the Latest Update on Wilfried Gnonto’s Future at Leeds?
Wilfried Gnonto’s position at Leeds United remains tenuous, with reports indicating a potential summer exit amid interest from Italian clubs. As detailed by S. MacDermott of SportsBoom in their exclusive coverage, Leeds are “safeguard[ing] against Gnonto’s mooted departure,” with the young forward’s future under scrutiny. Vitalfootball reported on February 16, 2026, that
“Wilfried Gnonto may leave this summer as the Italy international faces a huge Elland Road exit”.
Further insight comes from The Leeds Press, which on February 24, 2026, highlighted that Gnonto “has not started a Leeds game in the Premier League since November” and is “out of favour with Farke,” alongside midfielder Ao Tanaka, suggesting both are “likely to be sold in the summer”. Italian reports, as covered by The Leeds Press, claim “Wilfried wants to play in the Serie A and is keen on leaving Elland Road this season,” though Leeds sources maintain he could stay despite suitors. Gnonto’s past contract saga last season, where he refused to play in the Championship, fuels ongoing speculation.
How Does Leeds United’s League Position Influence Transfer Plans?
Leeds United’s summer transfer window is “fairly difficult to plan for,” as Daniel Farke’s side battles relegation from their current 15th position with 31 points from 27 matches and a -9 goal difference. SportsBoom emphasised that “although Daniel Farke’s side are in a strong position heading towards the end of the season, there is still a chance that they could slide into the relegation zone”. A recent 1-0 loss to Fulham exemplifies their vulnerability, with relegation odds implying a 38.2% chance earlier in the season, though recent tables show them five points clear of 17th-placed Tottenham.
If relegated to the Championship, “their summer window is going to look incredibly different,” potentially seeing “a host of their key stars head through the exit door,” per SportsBoom analysis. Daniel Farke has hinted at tactical flexibility, including possible formation changes to bolster survival bids, as noted by Leeds All Over. The club “will undoubtedly be backing themselves to remain in the Premier League, but there’s no guarantee they can avoid the drop”.
What Challenges Might Arise in Signing Asprilla?
Pursuing Asprilla presents hurdles for Leeds, primarily fan sentiment due to Galatasaray’s rivalry status—”his association with the Turkish giants would make him a controversial choice among large sections of Elland Road’s support base, given the hatred they possess for Okan Buruk’s side”. SportsBoom’s Louis Hobbs reported that despite this, “the fact he is only registered to them on a temporary basis has persuaded the Leeds’ recruitment department to consider compiling a dossier on Asprilla”.
Financially, Asprilla’s £25 million valuation and salary align with Leeds’ structure under their owners, aimed at long-term health. Girona invested €20 million in him, having seen 50 appearances, four goals, and two assists from the player who debuted against Huddersfield for Watford. Galatasaray’s KAP filing confirmed the “purchase option loan transfer” on January 24, 2026.
Could Asprilla Fit into Farke’s System?
Yáser Asprilla, standing at 1.76m and not related to Newcastle’s Faustino Asprilla, offers versatility as a right winger with pace and promise. His limited Super Lig minutes (82 with a 6.23 FotMob rating) suggest availability post-loan. Givemesport succinctly captured the narrative: “Leeds are considering a move to sign Girona attacker Yaser Asprilla, amid an exit update on young forward Wilfried Gnonto”.
Leeds’ planning reflects pragmatism, with Farke’s comments indicating openness to reinforcements for Premier League survival or Championship promotion push. As the Whites navigate this pivotal juncture, Asprilla represents the ‘explosive’ South American flair to ignite their attack should Gnonto depart.
