Exit mooted for Wilfried Gnonto as ‘sharks’ circle Leeds United ace who wants to play at ‘top level’
Several “sharks” are circling Leeds United youngster Wilfried Gnonto after the club’s relegation, according to journalist James Smailes.
The Leeds Live journalist added that the 19-year-old wants to be playing at the “top level” next season.
Leeds dropped down to the Championship after losing 4-1 to Tottenham on the final day of the Premier League season.
“From the moment the club’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed, Wilfried Gnonto’s Leeds United future was brought into question,” Smailes wrote for Leeds Live.
“The 19-year-old forward is one of the most promising young strikers in Europe, with 10 caps for Italy and an international goal already on his CV at such a young age. His progress since arriving at Leeds from Zurich last summer meant Serie A clubs were already sitting up and taking an interest for the future.
“Then came relegation and now that interest has seen several sharks circling the Whites, ready to move in and make a play for a player who wants to be playing at the top level, whether in England or his native Italy.”
Summer exit likely
Gnonto was really impressive when he first burst onto the scene at Elland Road after his summer switch to England, with the youngster often taking things into his own hands as those around him failed to shine in the final third.
But for whatever reason, his exciting attacking displays gradually died down, with the forward even finishing the latter stages of the campaign as a frustrated substitute.
However, the lack of minutes in recent months shouldn’t put various clubs off from chasing his signature, and it looks like they will get their way this summer as Gnonto will not want to be playing in the Championship.
At 19, he is still very young, but has already proven himself in the Premier League, one of the most competitive competitions in world football.
The talented forward has scared many top-class full-backs, and there is no telling just how dangerous he can become if he settles into life at a club not in disarray both on and off the pitch.
In other Leeds United news, one Premier League club have made an approach to sign a Whites defender, who will likely leave Elland Road unless the new manager wants him.