Leeds: Bazoumana Toure targeted to replace Wilfried Gnonto as 3-5-2 tactical shift takes toll

Wilfried Gnonto could be on his way out of Leeds United this summer as they plot a move to sign Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure.

Gnonto has struggled for minutes on Leeds’ return to the Premier League this season after he was integral to their promotion from the Championship last term.

The Italy winger has managed just 380 minutes in the top flight so far, with four starts in 16 appearances as Daniel Farke prefers to operate with a 3-5-2 formation in the relegation battle.

According to a new report from Sportsboom, the Whites are eyeing a move for Hoffenheim and Ivory Coast star Toure ahead of the summer window.

Leeds’ transfer plans are on hold for now as they aim to avoid relegation, but interest in Toure could spell trouble for Gnonto at Elland Road.

Bazoumana Toure would be an upgrade on Wilfried Gnonto for Leeds this summer

Toure has exploded onto the Bundesliga scene with high-flying Hoffenheim in the last few months, while he also scored twice in three games for Ivory Coast at the recent Africa Cup of Nations.

The 20-year-old is a left-winger by trade, but can also feature as a left wing-back or an attacking midfielder, and he has registered two goals and seven assists in 22 league matches in 2025-26 so far.

Toure has clearly been in much better form than Gnonto while playing in a similar position this season, and Leeds have also had recent success in dealing with Hoffenheim, having picked up key man Anton Stach from the German club last summer.

They are understood to value the winger at around £20million, and a deal would only be realistic if Farke’s side stay in the Premier League this season.

Should that happen, then Toure could well be on their radar, and Gnonto may well be the man to make way to clear space in Farke’s squad.

Gnonto has been linked away from Leeds and could leave this summer anyway

Football Insider revealed last month that Leeds will consider letting Gnonto leave permanently this summer if a big offer for his services arrives.

He could have left the club on loan in January, but they took the decision not to allow him to depart after Jack Harrison’s move to Fiorentina.

Gnonto has failed to even come off the bench in six of the Whites’ 12 Premier League games since the turn of the year, however, and his last three starts have all been in FA Cup action.

With Farke preferring a three-back formation and barely utilising wingers, it does seem as if his days at Elland Road are numbered ahead of the summer window.

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