Leeds United had one of their best ever campaigns when they won promotion to the Premier League. Daniel Farke had his team firing on all cylinders as they hit the 100-point mark on their way to winning the title.
A front four of Dan James, Manor Solomon, Brenden Aaronson and Joel Piroe scored over 80 goals in the league.
Many fans expected them to carry that form into the top flight, but unfortunately for them Daniel Farke had other plans. Leeds did not sign Solomon, and Joel Piroe was replaced by new signings.
Last season was also a poor one for the other attackers in the squad.
Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto were the only wingers outside Noah Okafor, and they failed to deliver during the season.
Leeds United ace speaks on plans for next season
Both players had incredible seasons in the Championship during that run.
James scored 12 goals and had nine assists, while Gnonto had nine goals and six assists. In the Premier League last season, both players managed a combined one goal contribution – an assist from the Italian.
Gnonto and James could well be on the chopping block this summer if better options are found.
“Being at Leeds is a privilege” 🗣️@IFTVMarco sat down with Leeds United and Italy winger Wilfried Gnonto at preseason training in New Jersey to talk club and country 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/sMHzqDQYOo
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) July 30, 2026
However, the Italian winger has opened up on how he is feeling as he anticipates a better campaign in the upcoming season.
“We did well last season but we want to get even better. Being a part of it is good for me and I try to enjoy every moment.” he told CBS.
“It is such a family-oriented, I want to say, club in a way. Everyone makes you feel so comfortable. I came here, I was quite young as well, so everyone just took care of me, whether it was staff, whether it was players and obviously the fans as well.
“So, I would say I feel like I feel proper Leeds now. I just enjoy every single person here, enjoy every moment and hopefully there are going to be many more.”
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Does Wilfried Gnonto deserve another season?
Gnonto is an incredibly talented player, and he did have a really poor season.
However, the blame cannot solely lie on him for his performances. Last season, the switch to the 3-4-2-1 in the middle of the campaign meant the team played without wingers.
The Italian made the most in games when he came on, with a memorable cameo against Liverpool.
But for some reason, Daniel Farke never used him consistently.
If the club do not find an upgrade, then Wilfried Gnonto is a perfectly fine option as a squad player going forward.
A little harsh to say he was poor when he had limited minutes…in fact the appearances he made from the bench swung many games in our favour. Deserves more game time