Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 19 May 2026 16:10, UK

Leeds United look set for a brutal clearout this summer after Premier League survival, with Willy Gnonto appearing to say his goodbyes.

Following the Whites’ 1-0 win over Brighton on Sunday afternoon, the winger took to Instagram and wrote: “Elland Road. Thank you.”

As a result, speculation has grown about his future, with the message and its reaction pointing towards a potential exit.

Gnonto starred during Leeds’ last spell in the top flight but has struggled to make a real impact this time around, racking up just 503 minutes and making only four starts.

With a summer departure looking increasingly likely, MOT Leeds News takes a look at two others who could also be in line for a move ahead of next season.

Joel Piroe could be next in line for Leeds United departure

Joining the club in 2023, Joel Piroe grew into an integral figure during Leeds’ two-year stay in the Championship.

With 19 goals and seven assists in the 2024-25 promotion campaign, the striker helped guide the West Yorkshire side back to the Premier League in a sensational season.

This season, though, Piroe has struggled for minutes after falling behind both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the pecking order.

In the league, he racked up just 234 minutes across 15 Premier League appearances, naturally failing to score in such a bit-part role.

With Daniel Farke’s side securing survival in the top flight, it seems likely that Piroe has completed his time at Elland Road, making an exit the most probable outcome this transfer window.

And given his ability at that level, it would be no surprise to see Championship sides queuing up to secure his signature.

Illan Meslier waves goodbye as difficult Leeds spell comes to an end

Next in line is surely Illan Meslier, after spending this season as the third choice under Farke.

Following a difficult spell in the Championship last term, Karl Darlow took over between the posts, helping the Whites over the line after a string of errors from Meslier over the course of the campaign.

With his confidence shot to pieces, the Frenchman was sadly never going to be the man to start as first choice in the Premier League.

Lucas Perri took the number one spot at the start of the season, before he too was ousted in favour of the vastly experienced and reliable Darlow, who has performed admirably as Leeds secured survival.

After the win over Brighton, Meslier spent some time out on the Elland Road pitch, with his body language all but signalling that a move away from Leeds is on the cards this summer.

After a year on the sidelines, the 26-year-old may have used the time to reset and begin working his way back to his best elsewhere following the expiration of his current deal.

It seems highly unlikely, though, that West Yorkshire will remain his home given Darlow’s form this term.