Journalist Ben Jacobs claims that Leeds United, following uncertainty over Willy Gnonto’s future all summer, will not permit the teenager to go in January.
The 19-year-old attracted a lot of attention during the most recent transfer window, with Premier League team Everton apparently having the best chance of acquiring his services. The Italian international apparently went on strike to force a transfer since Leeds were anxious to keep him, but he eventually gave in and was reintegrated back into the playing squad.
The Yorkshire giants, who were relegated from the top division last season, lost a number of their finest players over the summer, including Tyler Adams, who signed a permanent contract with Bournemouth, and Luis Sinisterra.
The fact that their form has improved and the transfer window has closed at the same time is no coincidence. Ben Jacobs thinks that will continue into January. Daniel Farke has been able to go forward in the knowledge that his team is not facing distractions from interested clubs. The journalist specifically addressed the Gnonto situation and informed GIVEMESPORT that it is now likely that the attacker will stay at Elland Road through at least the end of the current campaign;
“What we’ll have to do is wait and see if Leeds’ standing changes at the end of the season. It’s way too early to speculate since, if Leeds are reinstated into the Premier League next summer, Wilfried will most likely be the beneficiary.
“Since the players’ side will undoubtedly try to include a condition that still permits them to depart in some capacity. For instance, even if Leeds didn’t make it back to the Premier League, if everything goes as planned, this kind of stuff may undoubtedly keep the player content and on good terms.
So, in my opinion, the matter is resolved, Gnonto accepts Leeds’ stance, and no mid-season sanctions will be imposed. And then obviously, whether Leeds advance or remain in the Championship by the summer will determine everything.
“I believe they will permit Gnonto to leave if they continue in the Championship. However, if they return to the Premier
Leeds’ position on this issue is logical given their desire to rejoin the Premier League right away. Throughout the summer, the player and the club spoke, and it’s likely that he was informed that he wouldn’t be permitted to leave before or during the season. But if they don’t get promoted, there might be a gentleman’s agreement that would let him leave.
Gnonto is a player with international experience at the highest level who won’t want to play in the second tier for an extended period of time. Obviously, things can change rapidly, but continuing in their current direction will do absolutely no harm to their chances of keeping the winger.
