With the last game of the season on the horizon, Leeds United’s focus is set to shift towards the summer transfer window and what needs to be done to improve the squad.
The Leeds recruitment team have been carrying out checks on potential targets and creating a shortlist of options for months. However, they have accelerated their efforts since survival was confirmed.
They are not looking at another overhaul of the squad; Leeds want to bring in key upgrades as Daniel Farke has challenged the board to match his ambition.
However, Leeds will have to sell players to raise funds and make space in their squad, and one player has already hinted at leaving the club in the summer.
Wilfried Gnonto appears to have confirmed his Leeds United exit
Daniel Farke’s decision to change systems mid-season revived Leeds. However, it also relegated Wilfried Gnonto to becoming a squad player.
He has been nothing more than an option from the bench for Leeds in the Premier League in the second half of the season, and Leeds are already holding talks over his transfer.
And Gnonto seems to have confirmed he will be leaving Leeds at the end of the season, with one of the strongest hints about a transfer yet.
He posted a few post-match photos from the Brighton game at Elland Road on Sunday, where he is seen enjoying his time around the stadium.
Gnonto wrote on Instagram: “Thank you, Elland Road.”
What further fuelled speculation of the winger’s exit from Elland Road was a comment from Leeds teammate Pascal Struijk.
The Leeds defender dropped a crying emoji, suggesting that it could have been the last time Gnonto was seen at Elland Road.
He needs to leave Leeds
Once Daniel Farke changed Leeds’ system midway through the season, it became obvious that Wilfried Gnonto no longer had a natural role in the side.
The Italian has still featured in cup matches, but in the Premier League, he has mostly been limited to appearances off the bench.
Farke also values consistency in his team selections, and since the tactical switch, he has rarely viewed Gnonto as a regular starter.
Gnonto was heavily linked with a move away during the January transfer window but ultimately stayed at Elland Road. However, it now feels increasingly likely that he will leave the club this summer.
Leeds will hope to bring in a healthy fee for the winger and use that money to strengthen the squad ahead of next season.
Get the money owed for Raphina, get rid of Meslier, Byram, Perri, Piroe and Gnonto if your not playing him, or will be another one who will go for free? Plus the few out on loan that wont want to come back?