Wilfried Gnonto left Leeds United on loan to join Fiorentina on the final day of the summer transfer window following months of speculation over his future.
Gnonto dropped down the pecking order last season and became a bit-part player in the squad after Daniel Farke changed the system midway through the campaign.
The Italian’s chances of playing much football at Leeds this season were limited this season, especially following the arrival of Harry Wilson early in the window.
However, Leeds only sanctioned the winger’s departure once they secured a deal to sign young forward Jean-Mateo Bahoya in the final hours of the transfer window.
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Wilfried Gnonto’s struggles at Leeds explained
Gnonto was an important part of the Leeds team that earned promotion to the Premier League in 2025. But he became a squad player in the Premier League once Farke shifted systems.
However, journalist Tom Collomosse has insisted that the change of system is not the biggest reason why the Italian struggled at Leeds last season.
He insisted that Gnonto enjoyed playing in the Championship, where Leeds had more of the ball. However, in the Premier League, Leeds had to defend deeper and didn’t enjoy possession, which resulted in Gnonto’s struggles.
Leeds’ football in the Premier League didn’t suit the winger’s strengths.
Collomosse, when asked why Gnonto did better in the Championship, told Italian outlet Firenze Viola: “Simply because the level is lower than in the Premier League.
“In the Championship, he played for a team that dominated matches, always attacking with the ball that came to them well.
“He certainly had opportunities to do well, while in the Premier League, Leeds have to struggle and play more without the ball.
“It’s not the football best suited to Gnonto, and that’s also why he struggled.”
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Gnonto needs to work hard to avoid returning to Leeds next year
Fiorentina have an option to buy the winger for £18m. But there is no guarantee that the Italian club will exercise the clause to sign him on a permanent deal.
Serie A is not flush with money, unlike the Premier League, and even the biggest clubs in Italy would think twice before paying £18m for a player.
Fiorentina are a midtable Serie A club, and splashing out such a figure would require Gnonto to do more than well and be a difference-maker in the team this season.
Even if Gnonto plays well, there is every chance that Fiorentina would want to negotiate the fee down next summer, even if they want to sign him on a permanent deal.
