Leeds United: ‘Extreme’ Willy Gnonto update shared as Elland Road contract developments emerge amid transfer interest
Willy Gnonto has been “extremely professional and focused” at Leeds United despite transfer interest during the January window, according to Ben Jacobs.
The journalist reported via Twitter on 23 January that in the wake of 20-year-old’s push to join Everton in the summer his stance has been the exact opposite this time around, with a new contract at Elland Road now “close”.
Although clubs have been looking at him there was reportedly never a chance that he would leave this month as the Whites had no intention of accepting any bids.
Jacobs wrote: “Can confirm Wilfried Gnonto is close to a new Leeds contract. Leeds always planned to resist offers in January despite interest and Gnonto, after trying to force an Everton move over the summer, is understood to have been extremely professional and focused despite new speculation.”
Growth
It is difficult to criticise Gnonto too heavily when so many other Leeds United players also did everything they could to leave in the summer, and seemingly all succeeded, especially when he was the youngest of that group.
Having failed to depart thanks to the lack of a relegation release clause that so many others had, and the likes of Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams apparently managed to exploit despite after their expected expiry [The Athletic, 2 September], the Italian made amends with Daniel Farke.
That is increasingly looking like no mean feat, given the manager has seemingly taken such a hard line with the likes of Charlie Cresswell and Leo Hjelde, so Gnonto must have impressed with his attitude.
Credit should go to him for rebounding from what must have been a disappointing experience to be left out of the squad only to not be granted an exit, especially since he hasn’t subsequently played as much as expected.
If the outstanding Crysencio Summerville or Dan James were injured then Gnonto would be needed in a big way, but in the face of restricted opportunities and apparent exit routes it is still some development for a new contract to be imminent.
Gnonto’s entire Elland Road career to this point has taken unexpected turns, as he emerged as a surprise star in the Premier League last season when his low-key signing was seen as one for the future.
Just as surprisingly he was then frozen out by Javi Gracia despite the Spaniard’s reign heading south quickly, and also subsequently ignored by Sam Allardyce when the team clearly needed a spark.
He was presumed to be a key man in the Championship following relegation but instead a transfer request and a peripheral role has followed, and yet a new deal is on the cards all the same as he proves to be anything but predictable.
In other Leeds United news, an ACL tear has seen another Whites full-back now linked with a move away this month.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.