Willy Gnonto signed a contract extension in late August that ties him down to Leeds United until 2028. One former player believes that this new deal acknowledges Gnonto’s status as a marquee attacking player.
Gnonto came up through Inter Milan’s youth system, so he’s no stranger to Italian football. However, he needed to leave his boyhood club and country to get regular first-team action.
The 20-year-old moved to FC Zürich in 2020, where he quickly made an impact, scoring 12 goals and 10 assists in 74 appearances. After leaving Zürich in 2022 for Leeds, he’s added 77 appearances, 14 goals, and seven assists to his resume.
With the departures of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter this past summer in the attack, Leeds are counting on Gnonto to take the next step in his development to become a marquee player for them.
A reward to Willy Gnonto?
Former Leeds midfielder David Norris spoke exclusively to MOT Leeds News, saying that the contract is designed to keep him motivated and that he should be developed into the team’s main player.
“I believe the new deal straight after the deadline is to keep him onside, as obviously he didn’t get his move,” Norris told the outlet. “I think now they are telling him he can be the main man, and I’m sure they can get the very best out of him now.
“It seems different to last year, I think his attitude has progressed, and it keeps his mindset in the game. Maybe the club wouldn’t have fully trusted him to keep his head in the right place if they had left his contract situation as it was, based on his behaviour in the past.”
Gnonto has been making headlines this week, with reports suggesting that two Serie A clubs are considering him to boost their attack in the January transfer window. Milan Live reported that newly promoted Parma are interested in the winger, as they’re still in need of reinforcements on the flanks.
Additionally, Genoa is eyeing Gnonto, given their need for more offensive depth. It seems that top-flight clubs are starting to take notice of the talent Leeds has in Gnonto.
