Willy Gnonto to submit Leeds United transfer request next after shock development
Willy Gnonto looks as though he could submit a transfer request at Leeds United after asking to be left out of the Whites’ EFL Cup clash.
Before their 2-1 comeback victory against Shrewsbury Town on Wednesday (9 August), the Italian international asked if he could remain out of the squad as he seeks a new club, according to the Daily Mail (9 August).
The 19-year-old did start for Daniel Farke’s side in their opening Championship clash against Cardiff City, but his most recent actions show that he may try to force Leeds’ hand and secure a move.
Gnonto has had plenty of interest from clubs around the world this summer. Leeds rejected a £15million bid for the forward, according to the Daily Mail (16 July) but the Toffees could still be interested.
Newly promoted Burnley have also emerged as an interested club, with the Telegraph reporting (7 August) that the Clarets’ boss Vincent Kompany is looking for more forwards ahead of their return to the Premier League.
However, the player himself is reportedly most keen on a switch to Bundesliga side SC Freiburg with 90min Germany reporting (6 August) that the Europa League-qualifying side is his “personal dream destination” this summer.
Regardless, it seems that Gnonto does not want to stay at Leeds anymore and his self-requested absence from the squad against Shrewsbury could perhaps be the final nail in his coffin.
Leeds, meanwhile, insist that the former Zurich winger is not for sale despite their relegation to the Championship. While it is understandable that the Whites would want to keep some of their best players after the loss of Brenden Aaronson, Rodrido, Max Wober and more, they risk isolating and unresting Gnonto in the long run.
The main target for this season at Elland Road is promotion, and having Gnonto playing boosts their chances significantly considering he was one of their star players in a struggling Premier League season.
Farke’s side did not get off to the ideal start upon their return to the Championship, relying on a late Crysencio Summerville equaliser to steal a point at the death against Cardiff City in a 2-2 draw. They bounced back with another comeback against Shrewsbury, but Leeds fans may have to get used to squads without Gnonto’s name.
While it won’t please Leeds fans, it is hard to blame Gnonto for wanting to leave the English second division.
At a good age for development, he will want to challenge himself at the highest level, whether that be in the Premier League or Bundesliga, and taking more time away from elite-level football could risk his Italy national team place and risk future transfers.
Time will tell, but Farke may need to add another attacker soon.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites miss out on a transfer after a Premier League club hijacked a closing deal.