Phil Hay moots Wilfried Gnonto exit from Leeds United in January
Phil Hay has suggested Wilfried Gnonto could still leave Leeds United in January, with attitudes around the club changing to his position after what happened in the summer.
The Athletic journalist claimed that the move would depend on the winger’s attitude. If he gets his head down and works hard, he should stay, but if he begins to look for a move again then he could be let go.
Gnonto has lost his starting place at Elland Road, with Crysencio Summerville and Daniel James the preferred wide options, leading to questions over the Italian’s future.
Hay was speaking on The Square Ball podcast [23 November] where he discussed possible January transfer activity at Elland Road, with Gnonto’s name involved in plenty of rumours again.
“There will I think, still be some lingering concern about what went on in August and about the way it all played out,” he said. “I thought Farke handled it really well at the time, it was a difficult situation, but you did always wonder whether it was slightly temporary.
“I do just wonder if this was to get going again in January if people might say enough is enough and perhaps it is time they just took the money, sold him and got a good price for him.
“That, I think, would depend massively on Gnonto. If Gnonto doesn’t agitate and he seems content and keeps his head down, I’d be a little surprised if anything happens, but if it starts to rumble again I do think that the attitude of a lot of people might be ‘Why don’t we just resolve this and get somebody else?'”
The deal may still be on the cards
Although interest in Gnonto may have died down compared to the constant rumours around his signature in the summer window, there is bound to be interest remaining, and his lack of playing time suggests he may still be tempted by a move.
Having agitated for a move that didn’t come his way in the summer, the topic was resolved with the club and with Farke, but the boss promised that would be the last chance for Gnonto, so if he does hint at wanting out again, there is unlikely to be any resistance.
As Hay claims though, Gnonto may well just get his head down, keep working hard and try to break back into the team, and everybody can continue in the harmonious atmosphere that appears to have settled since the summer.
It will be up to Gnonto what happens in this transfer window, and one way or another he will have the decisive say in the matter, but attitudes to his position may now have changed.
In other Leeds United news, Illan Meslier has claimed he considered leaving the club.