Willy Gnonto place at Leeds United under threat after transfer window developments
Willy Gnonto’s Leeds United place is now under threat after the addition of Jaidon Anthony in the Luis Sinisterra deal, according to Joe Donnohue.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist said on the Inside Elland Road podcast (7 September) that the new loanee was “really going to push” the Elland Road youngster, and if the 19-year-old wasn’t on his game after having “wanted out” during the transfer window he could face missing out on Italy squads as Daniel Farke could opt for the new arrival.
Gnonto missed a series of games in August as he looked to force a move to Everton, but has started the past two matches as the Toffees were seen off one last time on deadline day.
Donnohue said (13m 45s): “He’s added competition for Willy Gnonto. Gnonto wanted out and now you’ve got a very competent… someone who has shown he’s at the top level of the Championship [Anthony] who is going to threaten for that left wing position, he can play both.
“It’s someone who is really going to push Gnonto, because if all of a sudden Daniel Farke says: ‘Well actually Willy, you’re not going it for me, I’m going to play Jaidon there instead’, those Italy call-ups will begin to dry up pretty quickly when you’re not playing and you’re not playing in the Championship.”
On your toes
In fairness to Gnonto he has looked pretty sharp against both Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday since he and Farke cleared the air.
But bringing in Anthony is a win-win from a Leeds United point of view once it became clear that keeping hold of Sinisterra was going to be more trouble that it was worth.
The Bournemouth loanee has a proven track record in the Championship and keeps Farke’s wide options well-stocked.
If his arrival ensures Gnonto stays motivated to keep his place in the side then it should help the club get the best out of the Italian international, who on his day should be one of the best players in the division.
And Anthony should figure to be an important contributor in his own right across a long season in the hunt for promotion.
On talent alone there would be little to keep Gnonto out of the Whites XI this term, but given his camp were pushing him to leave before the deadline it certainly helps that there is an able deputy should something similar happen in future.
In other Leeds United news, the club are expected to cancel a former £15million signing’s contract amid a “complicated” transfer situation.