Wilfried Gnonto forces Daniel Farke into transfer rethink after what he did for Leeds United
Wilfried Gnonto has reminded Leeds United supporters of what they already have, despite needing several more signings.
The youngster was utilised in a central role by Daniel Farke as they took a composed 2-0 win back to West Yorkshire from Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night, playing a significant part in the visitors’ dominance.
Gnonto was declared to know the responsibility he now carries in Farke’s squad despite his tender years, as Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville – with whom he has numerous times put on an exhibition – return to the glitz of the Premier League.
Brenden Aaronson’s impressive showings since coming back from his loan in the Bundesliga, combined with Gnonto’s new-found excellence as a central player, gives Farke a decision to make that he may not have first expected.
The Athletic’s Jacob Whitehead [24 August] described Gnonto as “dictating play” on Friday, completely outshining rival Banny Bannan in the middle of the park – a player who has played centrally as a professional for 16 years.
Whitehead also pointed out how the 13-cap Italian’s “wantaway episode” of the beginning of last season is now a year behind him and there is no way the club can afford to lose him – nor anyone, frankly – in this window.
Leeds United must build around Wilfried Gnonto
Having shown all the traits of a naive, badly advised teenager this time last year, Gnonto has demonstrated an evolved attitude 12 months on.
His early-season performances; his recognition from his manager to deploy him as a free-roaming creative weapon; and the contentment on his face when he wears the badge in recent weeks, all comprise a player who could be the difference between whether he himself plays in the Premier League next year or not.
Everton looked a likely destination for Gnonto last year – they ended up taking Jack Harrison, who has now joined for a second season. Reports linking the Italy starlet to Merseyside have resurfaced, but Farke seems to have got his boy onside.
Gnonto is an “arm-around” type of player. Trust, and he will perform. Farke’s utilisation of him early in the campaign is offering the 20-year-old the best possible chance of being happy to remain at Elland Road for at least another year – and he needs him now more than ever.
He and Aaronson are two of Leeds’ most dangerous players, and certainly ease the burden of Rutter’s £40m departure for Brighton.
However, if Gnonto is going to move infield from the wings, the club need to reconsider their recruitment approach for the final days of the window.
Leeds cannot afford to lose another face, before they bring in more – that remains a given. The shackles are slightly eased by Largie Ramazani’s arrival – but that can allow Gnonto to operate centrally once again – and certainly not allow him to move onto pastures new.
In other Leeds news, David Ornstein shares the latest on Manor Solomon’s imminent move.
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