Why Wilfried Gnonto thinks he's found the 'best solution' after Leeds United loan exit

Wilfried Gnonto believes he made the right choice in joining Fiorentina on loan from Leeds United.

The winger always looked to be far down Daniel Farke's pecking order last season, and it may have only gotten worse for him this campaign.

The Italian made just a handful of starts in the Premier League last term, but when he did come onto the field of play, he rarely had a big impact.

Leeds are turning a corner in their history, and Farke was keen to improve the overall quality of players in depth this summer.

The Whites believe they have done this, though there were always going to be some unfortunate casualties who had to leave and make room for others.

Gnonto returned to his homeland of Italy after joining Fiorentina on loan, and despite being contracted to Leeds, he feels like it's a move that he needed.

Wilfried Gnonto explains why he 'missed' Italy while at Leeds

Gnonto has played a part in helping Leeds get back to the Premier League, where they will now look to push on to become a European powerhouse.

The 22-year-old played 29 times for the Whites last season, though only a few of those games were starts.

The former Zurich star joined Fiorentina ahead of the deadline in an initial season-long loan, which also includes an option to buy worth a total of £18million.

Speaking after joining the Serie A side, Gnonto revealed why Fiorentina was the best move for him.

Gnonto said, as quoted by Leeds Live: "I was calm, but I really hoped this deal would materialise. I needed something different, given that last season wasn't very positive.

"From a national team perspective, I think Italy was the best solution. I didn't mind not being called back to Italy, but I was born and raised here, and I missed it.

"I wasn't in a rush to return, but when a club like Fiorentina calls you, it's something different."

He also went on to explain that another "decisive" factor in his decision was the fans, even comparing them to the Elland Road faithful.

Leeds will now wish the best for the versatile forward, who has already opened up his account for the Italian outfit.

Would Leeds be getting fair value for Gnonto at £18m?

The reason Leeds may have been hesitant to let Gnonto leave last season is the fact that they are aware of his potential.

The forward burst onto the scene in his first season with the club, making waves in the Premier League, before having two decent individual seasons in the Championship.

The Whites paid £3.8m for the then-teenager, as Zurich have a 15 per cent sell-on clause.

Making £18m would still result in a profit for Paraag Marathe and Co., and they could even overachieve, with Gnonto's current Transfermarkt value at £13.7m.

The only thing for Leeds if he goes on to become a top-class talent: they would surely rue their decision-making.