Why Leeds United have perfect Wilfried Gnonto plan as squad prepare to fly out
Leeds United are set to head off to the United States early next week, with question marks still lingering over Wilfried Gnonto's future.
Gnonto is not the only Leeds player who has been linked with an Elland Road exit this month.
Joel Piroe is another, having both struggled for regular first-team minutes upon Leeds' return to the Premier League.
Harry Wilson's arrival as a free agent has only increased Daniel Farke's options in the forward positions.
That is not to say Gnonto does not have a future in West Yorkshire beyond this summer's transfer window.
Regardless of what does eventually happen, Leeds have a plan in place for the 13-cap Italy international.
Leeds make Wilfried Gnonto call ahead of US trip
Leeds are set to take on Wrexham, Sunderland and Liverpool when they head Stateside.
The players are due to fly out on Tuesday and, according to Leeds Live, the plan is for Gnonto - and Piroe - to be part of the travelling party.
It is often the case that players whose futures appear elsewhere are left behind in order to focus on securing their next move.
That is not the case for Gnonto, who Daniel Farke would no doubt love to keep hold of as a back-up option.
It also means Leeds do not really lose any value on Gnonto, which would be the case if the player was clearly being shoved towards the exit.
Have Leeds already identified Gnonto's replacement?
Gnonto was strongly linked with Freiburg earlier in the year, but those links have gone quiet.
In fact, speculation surrounding Gnonto in general has gone quiet in recent weeks.
The 22-year-old once surprised Gary Neville with his maturity at such a young age.
That came in 2023, when Gnonto's stock was rather higher than it is now.
Still, Leeds would need to replace Gnonto if he does move on and one or two alternatives have been mentioned.
MOT Leeds News reported last month that Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry is being eyed by Leeds.
Movement is no doubt taking place behind the scenes, but for now Gnonto remains a Leeds player and will continue to be involved by Farke until a new club is found.