Leeds United will be keeping a close eye on developments in Italy after loaning out one of their attacking players during the summer. The move was meant to give him a fresh start, more regular football, and a chance to rebuild his reputation away from Elland Road.
However, things have not gone quite as planned. The player has struggled to establish himself, competition for places has proved difficult to overcome, and supporters have not been convinced by what they have seen so far.
His current club also faces a significant financial consideration. Leeds included an option to make the transfer permanent, but the early signs suggest that meeting the agreed valuation could prove a difficult decision.
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Gnonto struggling to win over Fiorentina supporters
Wilfried Gnonto is finding life at Fiorentina increasingly difficult, with Italian outlet FirenzeViola reporting that supporters remain unconvinced by the Leeds loanee.
The 22-year-old has made seven Serie A appearances, but has started just once, in October’s defeat against Genoa. He has been restricted to substitute appearances since, accumulating only 228 minutes in the league without registering a goal or assist.
His only goal for Fiorentina so far came in the Coppa Italia against Pisa. That has not been enough to change the perception among sections of the fanbase, who reportedly do not consider him a top-level player.
Manager Paolo Vanoli has continued to back Gnonto and believes he can still make an impact. However, the competition for attacking places is not helping his cause.
Alieu Njie is viewed as offering more on the ball, while Real Madrid loanee Franco Mastantuono has impressed on the right flank. Gnonto is therefore struggling to find a regular place in Vanoli’s plans.
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Fiorentina unlikely to pay the asking price
The financial side of the agreement could ultimately determine Gnonto’s future. Fiorentina have an option to make his loan permanent for around £12.5m, but that is considered a significant fee given his current contribution.
Leeds will have hoped that a return to Italy would help the winger rediscover the form he showed during his best periods at Elland Road. Instead, he is facing familiar problems with playing time and questions over his consistency.
Gnonto still has time to change the situation. A few productive appearances could quickly alter the mood in Florence, particularly if he starts contributing goals and assists.
But Fiorentina are unlikely to commit £12.5m on potential alone. They need to see evidence that he can become an important player rather than remain a rotational option.
For Leeds, that creates an uncomfortable possibility. Gnonto could be back at Thorp Arch next summer, and the club would need to find another solution for a player they allowed to leave in the hope of securing a permanent transfer.
