Wilfried Gnonto’s future at Leeds United is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore as his loan spell in Italy continues to fall short of expectations.
The winger moved to Fiorentina hoping to revive his fortunes and secure regular football, but his involvement has been limited. His latest appearance offered little encouragement, with the Italian side seemingly no closer to making a long-term commitment to the Leeds forward.
A return to Elland Road now looks increasingly likely.
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Gnonto handed just five minutes against Juventus
Gnonto was given only five minutes on the pitch as Fiorentina drew 2-2 with Juventus on Sunday, underlining his struggle to establish himself in the team.
The 22-year-old has found regular opportunities hard to come by since moving to Serie A. He has made little impression in the league, and his lack of involvement against Juventus is another setback in a loan spell that has not gone according to plan.
For Leeds, the situation is becoming increasingly clear. Gnonto was allowed to leave in search of regular minutes, but Fiorentina have so far shown little indication that they are prepared to build around him.
Fiorentina unlikely to pay Leeds’ asking price
The bigger issue is the option to buy included in Gnonto’s loan agreement. Fiorentina would reportedly have to pay around £ 18m to make his move permanent, a figure that looks increasingly difficult to justify given his limited contribution.
The Italian club are unlikely to commit that kind of money for a player who has struggled to secure a regular starting place, particularly when his performances have given them little reason to make the deal permanent.
That leaves Leeds facing the prospect of welcoming Gnonto back at the end of the season, unless Fiorentina’s stance changes dramatically in the coming months.
A January return could also become a possibility if the Italian side decide the arrangement is no longer working.
Leeds will have to consider what comes next if the winger does return. His talent is not in question, but his spell in Italy has done little to strengthen his position at Elland Road. For now, a permanent move to Fiorentina looks increasingly unlikely, and a return to Leeds appears the most probable outcome.
