Phil Hay reveals Willy Gnonto is back in Leeds United training after Daniel Farke and Angus Kinnear talks
Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto has returned to training with Leeds United, according to Phil Hay.
Writing in The Athletic (22 August), Hay reported that the 19-year-old has had talks with manager Daniel Farke and CEO Angus Kinnear, which has led to him being reintegrated into the squad.
He has also been moved back to the first-team dressing room, after having been moved away. The news follows the announcement last week that the winger had submitted an official transfer request after refusing to play for the Whites on multiple occasions.
Leeds have continuously reiterated that he will not be sold and, after a dramatic turn of events, the former Zurich man could now be in contention to feature against Ipswich Town on Saturday 26 August.
Plot twist
Many supporters at Elland Road would have been fairly confident that they would not see Gnonto pull on a Leeds United shirt ever again, although they could now be proven wrong. With the player back in training and no progress on any transfer away, he could yet play for the club once more.
It would seem odd for Farke to sanction his return to the first-team picture if the German had no intention of including him going forward. Therefore, it seems as if the player does have a future at the club after all, should he fail to secure his desired move.
And it will now be interesting to see how fans react to his potential return to the pitch. Having previously unveiled a banner of the player crying, it seems as if the relationship between himself and the Elland Road faithful isn’t exactly smooth right now.
Of course, should he return to the team and start firing in the goals again, that could quickly be resolved.
In other Leeds United news, a winner has been named in the race for Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams.