Willy Gnonto may not spend another season at Leeds United

Wilfried Gnonto shock transfer verdict emerges at Leeds United

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

15 Aug 2024, 12:40 pm

Darren Bent has admitted that he is "shocked" that Wilfried Gnonto remains a Leeds United player after being linked with Elland Road exits.

Following a superb 2023/24 campaign in Leeds colours, notching eight goals and two assists in the Championship, the Whites rejected a £23million bid from Everton earlier this summer [The Athletic].

It is well known that the Toffees have previously held an interest in the 20-year-old winger, though the Italian remains at Elland Road, and could be vitally important for Daniel Farke this season.

Speaking live via talkSPORT on Thursday (15 August, 4:09pm), Bent said: "I'm shocked that Gnonto is still there. He's been linked with a move away for the last three windows."

Wilfried Gnonto shock transfer update at Leeds United

Following Crysencio Summerville's move to West Ham United earlier this month, Farke will be desperate for another one of his stars to step up and lead the Whites back to the Premier League.

Having scored his first goal of the season in the 3-3 draw against Portsmouth on Saturday 10 August, he has proven his talent in the final third time and time again, which makes him a vital asset right now.

Georginio Rutter also looks set to join Brighton, with the player expected to snub a new deal at Elland Road after the Seagulls triggered his release clause [Alex Crook], leaving fewer stars in attack.

Wilfried Gnonto played 39 games last season for Leeds United

If Gnonto is to be Farke's new go-to guy, he will need to improve his contribution numbers in front of goal, even after a fantastic 2023/24 campaign, stealing the right-wing spot from Dan James.

Of course, it will be extremely difficult to replace the goals lost by Summerville's exit, having scored 19 in the Championship last term, but fans will certainly be hoping that Gnonto can find a new gear.

In other Leeds United news, Jamie O'Hara reacted to the Whites' "killer" after what he has seen this week.

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Leeds United

Darren Bent

Wilfried Gnonto