Wilfried Gnonto left Leeds United to join Fiorentina on loan on the final day of the transfer window following speculation over his future all summer.
Gnonto became a bit-part player at Leeds last season in the Premier League, and he was always expected to leave the club to play more football in the 2026/27 season.
However, his departure was not a foregone conclusion towards the end of the window as Leeds were prepared to pull the plug on the Fiorentina agreement if they didn’t sign a replacement.
Leeds eventually signed Jean-Matteo Bahoya on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt, and Gnonto was allowed to complete his move to Fiorentina on deadline day.
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Wilfried Gnonto reacts to leaving Leeds and joining Fiorentina
The Italian winger needed to leave Leeds this summer as he was never going to convince Daniel Farke that he should be a regular in the starting eleven.
He has a new lease of life at Fiorentina, and the winger has expressed his delight at joining a club of Fiorentina’s stature this summer.
The forward is now keen to showcase his talent, and he is prepared to use his skills to help Fiorentina and make a mark for himself in his homeland this season.
Gnonto told Fiorentina’s official website: “I’m delighted to be here. It’s an honour for me to join Fiorentina.
“I couldn’t wait to get started.
“I’m raring to go. I really wanted to come here, and I’m happy.
“Now comes the best part. I know what I have to give. I know what my strengths are and I want to put them at the service of the team, the coach and everyone here.”
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Will Fiorentina pay the fee for Gnonto next summer?
Fiorentina have the option to make Gnonto’s move permanent for £18m when his loan spell from Leeds comes to an end, and the Whites will be hoping they take up that option.
However, Serie A’s financial situation is very different from the Premier League’s, and an £18m fee is a significant outlay even for the biggest Italian clubs.
Gnonto will have to play at a very high level for Fiorentina to decide to pay the fee and sign him on a permanent contract next summer.
There is a decent chance that Fiorentina would try to renegotiate the deal even if they admire the Italian, as Serie A clubs are always trying to save money.
