After turning down a £23 million bid from Everton, Wilfried Gnonto is set to stay at Leeds United this season. Despite interest from various Italian clubs, there have been no official offers from the peninsula.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, there have been no transfer requests from Gnonto this season. Additionally, the player has been a regular in the training with no signs of discontent.
The Gnonto saga has been a pretty drawn-out one stretching from last season. The Toffees have shown interest since last season but The Whites don’t seem keen on losing the winger who can be a Summerville replacement.
The club’s frontline has been a subject of debate since the departure of Crysencio Summerville. The 49ers have lost one of the best, if not the best player of their squad to Premier League outfit West Ham United.
Daniel Farke will need to replicate the Dutchman’s statistics this season to have a shot at promotion. Crysencio’s best buddy Gnonto is among the front-runners in the race to become the main man at Leeds.
Although uncertainty has loomed over the Italian’s future following interest from various clubs. Everton is now out of the equation though following a heavy transfer window for the Liverpool-based club.
Now only Italian suitors remain to contest for the winger’s services. There have been reports from Italy stating that Wilfried wants to play in the Serie A and is keen on leaving Elland Road this season.
These claims are probably courtesy of the Gnonto drama at Leeds last season. Wilfried didn’t want to play in the Championship hence there was a breakout between the management and the player.
The Wilfried Gnonto saga of the 2023/24 season
Credits: Imago Images
A year ago, Leeds United opened disciplinary proceedings against Gnonto following his request for an exit. The Italian’s agent had sent the club a request for a transfer but Leeds United promptly rejected the offer.
Everton was very active this time around as The Toffees were keen on having the winger. Reports claim that Wilfreid was unhappy with Leeds’ relegation and didn’t want to play in the Championship.
Following the rejection to let him go, the Italian winger stopped coming to training and continued to miss matches. He had talked with Farke claiming that he didn’t feel like he could make it for the games.
The club also published a statement regarding the situation,
“Following those conversations, Willy felt he was unable to play in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie with Shrewsbury Town. Despite training for the last two days, Willy has informed Daniel Farke that he still does not feel able to play this weekend and has not travelled to Birmingham for the game tomorrow. This is now an internal disciplinary matter and the club will make no further comment, other than to reiterate that Willy is not for sale.”
After the situation cooled down a bit Wilfried apologized and continued life at Elland Road. This season, the Italian winger seems to be content playing for Leeds and will probably take on a bigger role in Daniel Farke’s side.
