How Wilfried Gnonto exit can now unlock door for Leeds to sign Mykhailo Mudryk

Wilfried Gnonto's time with Leeds United looks to be nearing an end amid interest from Fiorentina.

The Italian winger has been a fringe player under Daniel Farke ever since the LS11 outfit were promoted to the Premier League.

Last season, Gnonto started just four league games under the German manager.

The Whites have been eyeing moves for additional wide players, with Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk a prime candidate.

And an exit for Gnonto is now said to be directly linked to the chance of that transfer.

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How Leeds can still sign Mykhailo Mudryk this summer

Leeds failed with two attempts to sign Mudryk on loan and convince Chelsea that Elland Road was the right destination for the forward.

The Ukrainian winger was open to the move, but the Stamford Bridge side were said to no longer be considering Leeds as an option.

But the possibility of a move is not entirely dead in the water yet.

According to BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Leeds' move for Mudryk has simply "stalled", but it does "remain alive".

He shares that while Fiorentina are in talks over a deal to sign Gnonto, that would create an opening for Mudryk in the squad should that exit go through.

Previously, it was said that Chelsea had concerns over the number of minutes Mudryk would receive under Farke.

And with Gnonto leaving, that may alleviate those worries.

Although the Italian barely started for Leeds last season, he did make 29 appearances in all competitions, while also picking up a calf injury early in the 2025-2026 campaign.

A respectable number of appearances.

Why Leeds is perfect for Mudryk

Mudryk is likely not ready to be thrown right into the depths of Premier League football after not featuring in a competitive game since November 2024.

But at Leeds, he would be able to be slowly integrated back into the English top flight.

The Chelsea player would not be an immediate starter and that would allow him to get back up to speed.

It would also hand Farke another option for the attack within his squad. It would be a win-win scenario.