A Leeds United player who started against West Brom last weekend is reportedly pushing to leave the club before the summer transfer window closes, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Leeds United have already seen several key players depart following their failure to secure promotion to the Premier League last season, a bitter blow for manager Daniel Farke and his squad.
Their playoff final defeat to Southampton at Wembley not only dashed their top-flight aspirations but also cast uncertainty over the futures of some of the club’s most crucial talents, many of whom felt they belonged in the Premier League.
Crysencio Summerville, who was voted the Championship’s best player for the 2023/24 season, has already made his move to West Ham.
Highly-rated teenager Archie Gray followed suit, opting to join Tottenham amid considerable interest from Brentford. Gray’s departure is a significant blow, given the immense potential he showed during his time at Elland Road.
Georginio Rutter, another key figure under Farke, has also left the club, securing a move to Brighton. These departures have left Leeds scrambling to fill the voids left by such influential players, and now it appears they could be facing yet another damaging exit.
In response to a fan’s question on social media platform X, Tavolieri revealed that Willy Gnonto is “pushing to leave” Leeds this summer.
The 20-year-old Italian winger, who has been a standout performer for Leeds, may be seeking a similar path to Summerville, Gray, and Rutter. With Leeds already having signed Largie Ramazani, it seems likely they are bracing themselves for Gnonto’s departure.
For Leeds supporters, the potential loss of Gnonto is undoubtedly frustrating. The Italian has started both of Leeds’ opening Championship fixtures this season, against Portsmouth at home and West Brom away, scoring in the former.
His performances indicate that Farke still considers him one of his most reliable players, and his departure would be a significant blow to the club’s promotion hopes.
Gnonto’s talent is unquestionable. At just 20 years of age, he has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he has much more to offer in the future.
Former Leeds coach Michael Skubala once praised him, saying, “He’s a great lad, he’s a special player. He’s a credit to Leeds, he’s a credit to himself, and he’s a really nice player to work with.”
However, if Gnonto is determined to leave, Leeds could face a repeat of last summer when the Italian winger went on strike to force through a move.
The hope is that the club can persuade him to stay for at least another season, helping them in their push for promotion. But if Gnonto’s departure is inevitable, Leeds must ensure they reinvest the transfer fee wisely to bolster their squad and maintain their promotion challenge.
The next few weeks will be crucial for Leeds, as they navigate through the final days of the transfer window, hoping to hold onto their remaining stars or, at the very least, strengthen the squad sufficiently to compensate for the losses they have endured.