Leeds United approach the January transfer window with a more defined strategy, placing fresh emphasis on improving their attacking options as they look to strengthen their bid for Premier League survival.
The Whites have already added to their attack in the ongoing transfer window. Facundo Buonanotte has joined Leeds on loan from Brighton after snubbing the same move last summer.
That need for more attacking reinforcements has been heightened by recent tactical adjustments. The switch to a 5-3-2 system has increased the importance of a dependable goalscorer, while limited depth in forward areas has further underlined the urgency to add attacking reinforcements.
However, Leeds also have their eyes on moves out of the club. They have already rejected an offer for Joel Piroe, and a similar stance has been taken on Wilfried Gnonto.
Daniel Farke is set to block the Leeds United exit of Wilfried Gnonto
Experienced transfer insider Mick Brown has explained that Leeds are unlikely to move on Gnonto in the winter transfer window.
He feels Jack Harrison’s departure to Fiorentina is more or less certain to end any chance for the Italian to leave Leeds in the next couple of weeks.
Brown insisted that Daniel Farke would not want to further weaken the squad without any additions and feels the impact Gnonto has made in recent games suggests he has a role to play this season.
He said on the Football Insider’s Transfer Insider Podcast: “I think he’s still going to be part of their plans, especially now that it looks like Jack Harrison is leaving Leeds to go to Fiorentina.
“I don’t think Daniel Farke will want to weaken his squad any further without reinforcements coming in.
“Gnonto will have a role to play in Farke’s side in the second half of the season. Leeds have been on a good run of form, so it’s been hard for him to break into the starting XI.
“But he’s made an impact when he has come off the bench, he started the FA Cup game against Derby, and he got a goal in that one.
“So yeah, I still think he’s got a role to play for Leeds in the second half of the season.”
Gnonto wants to play more
Gnonto has cut a frustrated figure at Leeds this season due to the lack of starts in the Premier League. However, he has made an impact coming on from the bench.
| Statistic (per 90) | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Non-penalty goals | 0.71 | 99 |
| npxG (non-penalty xG) | 0.51 | 99 |
| Shots total | 3.86 | 98 |
| Assists | 0.14 | 46 |
| xAG (expected assisted goals) | 0.19 | 59 |
| npxG + xAG | 0.70 | 97 |
| Shot-creating actions | 4.00 | 65 |
He wants a bigger role in the squad and had to be consoled by Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of another Premier League game, when he was an impact substitute.
His goal against Derby County in the FA Cup was a reminder of his quality. However, he does not have a natural place in a team playing a 5-3-2 formation.
Gnonto may want to play more, but unless Farke shifts formations again, he will have to settle for a role from the bench this season.
