Italian journalist's reaction to Wilfried Gnonto's Leeds exit isn't good news for the ex-Elland Rd ace

Wilfried Gnonto is already facing scrutiny after his move from Leeds United to Fiorentina.

The Italian winger sealed his move back to Italy on loan on transfer deadline day earlier this week.

Gnonto has been an outcast at Elland Road under Daniel Farke since promotion to the Premier League.

He featured 29 times in the 2025-26 campaign, and was yet to play this season before he secured an exit.

La Viola are believed to have an option to buy the 22-year-old at the end of the loan deal.

However, his spell at the Stadio Artemio Franchi is already raising eyebrows.

What has been said about Wilfried Gnonto's Leeds exit?

Some observers in Italy are baffled by the move to bring Gnonto into Fabio Grosso's side.

Italian journalist Sandro Sabatini was analysing the Florence side's transfer window, and judging by his reaction, he was not impressed by the Elland Road ace's arrival.

He believes that Gnonto's addition leaves questions, as it is well known what he brings at this point.

In quotes reported by Viola News, Sabatini said: "Gnonto? What new things do you want to discover? 

"His value has been known for years, and honestly, he leaves more than a few questions."

That is a pretty damning indictment of the player, and suggests he may have a difficult time to get the media onboard in his homeland.

Why it may only get worse for Gnonto

Gnonto's task will be made even harder, given where his new side are in Serie A.

The two-time league champions sit rock bottom of the Italian top-flight in 20th place, with two losses from their opening two matches.

If the former Whites ace can't hit the ground running, and add goal contributions to the team immediately, the criticism is only likely to get louder, rather than dying down.

Gnonto has notched two goals and seven assists in 47 total Premier League matches, so that suggests that he may struggle in another top league.

He has not previously played in Serie A, so it remains to be seen how he will adapt to the pace of Italian football.

However, the fact that his addition is already being written off by people who cover the club, is certainly worrying for the Leeds loanee.

Hopefully, he can prove them wrong, as he was well liked in Yorkshire, but could never kick on to the level that Farke needed him to be.