Willy Gnonto told he owes Leeds United after Thorp Arch development
Don Goodman believes Willy Gnonto now has a “responsibility” to help guide Leeds United back to the Premier League after his antics last year.
Gnonto failed to orchestrate a move away from Elland Road 11 months ago when going on strike at Thorp Arch as a return to the top flight failed to materialise.
The Italy international knuckled down and played a big part as Leeds narrowly missed out on promotion from the Championship in 2023-24.
Archie Gray’s exit to Tottenham means that Leeds are now PSR compliant and are therefore under no serious pressure to sell Gnonto.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Goodman said: “Looking at the Gray sale in a positive way for Leeds, by selling him they can keep hold of their attacking flair.
“We know a couple of the players wanted to leave last summer, including Gnonto, but they settled back down and had really good seasons. You’d hope that they will feel, not guilty as such, but a responsibility to help get Leeds back into the Premier League.
“From Gray’s perspective, he’s got an opportunity to play now at a big club in the Premier League under a very good manager – I like Ange Postecoglou a lot. Playing there will only improve Gray even more.”
Willy Gnonto looks set to stay at Leeds United
It has been a far quieter summer for Gnonto this time around compared to 12 months ago – for now, at least.
That is not to say there has not been speculation surrounding the Italian, but he certainly does not seem to be pushing for an exit.
Gnonto had a positive campaign last time out – albeit not sublime – but he was unable to fire Leeds back to the Premier League.
It may well be that one of Crysencio Summerville or Gnonto are still sold this summer, but unless the price is right, the Whites need to stand firm.
Gnonto is under contract and will understand the situation. Let’s just hope the attacker can produce his best season yet at Elland Road and this time help get the Whites over the line come next May.
In other Leeds United news, Goodman believes a triple arrival could be on the cards at Elland Road if a certain development happens.
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