Leeds United 'prepared' to let Wilfried Gnonto depart amid Bundesliga and Serie A links
A former Premier League scout weighs in on the uncertainty surrounding Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto
Leeds United are prepared to allow Wilfried Gnonto to depart this summer, according to a former Premier League scout.
The 22-year-old has been afforded just four Premier League starts this season and his struggle for minutes has fuelled transfer speculation.
Bundesliga outfit Freiburg are thought to have engaged in talks and there has also been talk of interest from his native Italy.
Leeds United ‘prepared’ to let Wilfried Gnonto leave
Reports have indicated Leeds will not stand in Gnonto’s way if he wants to leave this summer, a claim that has been supported by former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers scout Mick Brown.
He told Football Insider: “Leeds are prepared to let Gnonto leave this summer. They’re going to assess their squad after staying in the Premier League, and he is one who could be moved on if they want to raise money for new players. He’s hardly played this season, so it would be best for everybody if he moves on.
“I’m sure there will be Premier League clubs who have been keen on him, but I don’t think that’ll happen just because of how little he’s played this season.
“A move to a European league where there’s less pressure, less physical demand and he has more time to do what he does best would be ideal.”
Wilfried Gnonto’s time at Leeds United
Gnonto was a bargain buy for Leeds back in 2022, when they paid a reported £3.8m to lure him from Swiss outfit FC Zurich.
The winger brushed off suggestions he was one for the future, enjoying a stellar maiden campaign in Leeds colours. His relationship with supporters was soured in 2023, when he demanded a move in the aftermath of Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League.
He backed down from the demand, although could not replicate his Premier League form across the club’s two seasons back in the Championship.
Gnonto’s minutes have been restricted since last year’s Championship title triumph and an exit is looking increasingly likely.
The Italy-capped attacker has made a total of 146 appearances for Leeds and scored 23 goals, but may not get the chance to any more to his tally.