Wilfried Gnonto surely gearing up for Leeds United exit in January after international development
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto may well be forcing himself into the January shop window after a stunning individual performance for Italy under-21s which will have clubs on notice.
The former FC Zurich has been the subject of plenty of interest ahead of the January transfer window, with Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport reporting on its printed version on 20 November that the Whites forward has been offered to Serie A outfit Lazio.
Gnonto still wants to leave Elland Road, especially now after his limited opportunities under Daniel Farke, making just 11 appearances this season which could derail his chances to feature for his country.
After everything that went on in the summer, it’s hard to say that Leeds fans will be shocked that Gnonto reportedly wants to leave again.
He gave his all to push his way out at the start of the season and the 49ers held firm and made it crystal clear that he wasn’t for sale, but it will be interesting to see if that stance is now softened in the coming weeks.
However, the Leeds United owners could well be fielding a few calls ahead of the winter window after Gnonto showed his class for the Italy under-21s against Ireland on Tuesday evening (21 November).
Gnonto bagged two goals to make it four goals during the international break after bagging another two during their 7-0 win over San Marino on 16 November, where he picked up an injury.
It was said that the Elland Road youngster will have travelled back to West Yorkshire after picking up the knock but recovered well to rescue the Italian under-21s a point in their European Under-21 Championship qualifier.
Gnonto converted a penalty and saw his last-gasp header deflected in to give Italy a crucial 2-2 draw in Ireland but more crucially his performance could well have had several suitors in the Premier League and Serie A planning to knock on Leeds United’s door for his signature.
It’s clear, Gnonto’s long-term career in West Yorkshire may well be over but he’s still got qualities which could be incredibly useful elsewhere.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites star has revealed why David Beckham was “lucky” following a controversial incident.