Leeds United: ‘Sinister’ reasons for Willy Gnonto contract silence rejected at Elland Road
Paul Robinson has no concerns over there not yet being an announcement from Leeds United of a new Willy Gnonto contract.
Despite attempting to leave the club last summer it emerged during the January transfer window that the Italian attacker was close to agreeing new terms to remain at Elland Road, but amid a major resurgence from the 20-year-old on the pitch there has been no news since.
However, Robinson doesn’t think there is “anything sinister” behind the lack of an update on the talks, and is delighted with what he has seen from Gnonto on the pitch in recent weeks, suggesting that if it helps fire the Whites to promotion then the deal should follow and all sides will be satisfied.
He exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “I don’t think there’s anything sinister that he hasn’t signed the contract yet. We know they’re in negotiations but I just think there’s a lot of credit due to individuals to actually get to the point of now the player playing well, scoring goals.
“And the biggest thing for me, when you watch Gnonto, he’s playing with a smile on his face, he looks happy.
“That’s one of the biggest things for him. You get the best out of him and he plays his best football when he’s like that.
“So if he’s like that, Leeds are in the Premier League and he signs a new contract then everybody’s happy.”
No concerns over Leeds United contract talks as Willy Gnonto plays with smile on face
Gnonto’s current deal runs until 2027 anyway, with the talks intended to extend it by a further year and increase his salary, so there isn’t a major danger of losing him if nothing is signed imminently.
At present the only effect the situation appears to be having on him is a positive one given his increased importance to Daniel Farke’s side in the wake of injury to Dan James.
Conversely, it is possible that the upturn in his individual form has had a bearing on the contract negotiations, but at this stage promotion trumps the talks so as long as that push stays on track there is no great cause for concern at Elland Road.
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