Leeds United signed Melvin Bard and Jean-Matteo Bahoya on deadline day, in a surprise to the fans. But one of the more surprising transfers was agreed before.
Over the weekend, Fiorentina enquired about Wilfried Gnonto before agreeing a loan deal to sign the Italian.
Gnonto had been linked with a way out of Elland Road in recent seasons, but the club had never received a concrete approach. Leeds sanctioned a move and Gnonto joined Fiorentina.
The Whites found a replacement for him in Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
Farke’s side reportedly wanted to bring in one or two attackers on deadline day, but the deals never panned out.
Daniel Farke speaks on Wilfried Gnonto’s Leeds United exit
Wilfried Gnonto. Credit: IMAGO
Daniel Farke finally had the chance to speak about Wilfiried Gnonto’s exit on Tuesday.
The Leeds United boss had nothing but good words to say about the winger. Farke also mentioned that one of the key reasons behind his departure was that the club could not promise him playing time.
”Willy was a tough decision. The same with Piroe because we had so many memories. I don’t just work with machines, they are human beings. Such a strong relationship. Was hard to let Joel and Willy go but their wish.”
”Usually it’s grey and raining but when you see Willy Gnonto the sun is shining. A guy with such such a bright smile you just want to cuddle him, I love him so much. One of the most difficult decisions but deep inside, we knew it was right.”
”A young player who is struggling to get regular minutes. Lots of competition. Also for him a tough decision because Leeds is his home, but deep inside we all knew it would be a good chance for him.”
”Big club in his home country, plays each and every gameday then comes back more mature. A joy to work with him in the last years, I had more than one tear in my eyes when I gave him one last hug.”
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Wilfried Gnonto leaving is a blow
It might sound out of place, but Gnonto leaving is a blow to this team.
From Farke’s words, he was a great guy in the locker room and on the field. It is just a shame that he could not get as many minutes as he did in the last few seasons.
He has always provided an electric presence from his cameos off the bench.
Leeds could have also done better by replacing him with a more ‘proven’ player than Jean-Matteo Bahoya, but the club have their plans. Hopefully it works out as the season progresses.
