Leeds United could face an important decision over Wilfried Gnonto’s future next summer, as his loan spell in Italy has failed to produce the kind of impact that would make a permanent move straightforward.
The winger moved to Fiorentina hoping to get his career back on track, but regular football has proved hard to come by. There have been some positive signs off the pitch, although his performances and lack of involvement in Serie A will inevitably raise questions about whether the Italian club is prepared to commit to a permanent deal.
Gnonto struggling to make his mark at Fiorentina
Gnonto has started just one Serie A match since joining Fiorentina on loan and is yet to score for the club.
It has been a frustrating spell for the 22-year-old, who would have expected to play a more prominent role after leaving Leeds in search of a fresh opportunity. His situation has not been helped by the departure of Fabio Grosso, the manager who sanctioned his arrival, after the Italian was dismissed.
A change in the dugout can often leave loan players having to prove themselves all over again, and Gnonto now faces the challenge of convincing a new manager that he deserves a regular place in the side.
There has at least been some encouragement from the winger himself. Gnonto has spoken positively about feeling more at home in Florence, suggesting that the move has offered him a welcome change of environment despite the lack of playing time.
However, settling into a new city is one thing. Making enough of an impression on the pitch to earn a permanent transfer is another.
Leeds face £18m decision over Gnonto’s future
Fiorentina reportedly have an option to sign Gnonto permanently for approximately £18m, which would give Leeds the chance to bring in a sizeable fee if the Italian club decide to activate it.
At present, though, there is little in his Serie A involvement to suggest Fiorentina will rush to make that commitment. A player who is not starting regularly and has yet to score is unlikely to be an automatic priority when the club assess their transfer plans.
For Leeds, the situation is not ideal. They will want the loan to work out and give them a clear route to a permanent sale, rather than having to welcome Gnonto back without knowing where he fits into their plans.
Much could still change during the remainder of the campaign, but the winger needs to find a way back into the starting picture. If his minutes continue to be limited, Fiorentina’s £18m option could become increasingly difficult to justify.
