Wilfried Gnonto has refused to play in Leeds United’s last three games amid interest from Everton
Leeds United have been unwavering in their stance regarding Wilfried Gnonto’s future this summer. The Italian forward is not for sale and it has been made clear that will not be sold this summer despite his refusal to play in the club’s last three games.
It’s an admirable standpoint and one the club should be lauded for, but it’s fair to say it will be tested once more in the coming days following the submission of Gnonto’s written transfer request on Friday afternoon. That news dropped shortly before kick-off on Friday night as Leeds took on West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road and while the teenager was not at the game, that didn’t prevent the crowd from venting their anger at the situation.
Chants directed at Gnonto and Leeds’ other wantaways could be heard at various points of the game, while a couple of banners were unfurled with messages aimed at the forward. It was heated and enough to suggest that there is little to no way back for Gnonto, if he were to remain in West Yorkshire.
This is clearly a situation that could get messier before it looks capable of getting better and Leeds will be determined to remain in control after a summer in which they have found themselves to be powerless on a regular basis. As such, with less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, it might be the right time for United to ask themselves whether Gnonto is worth the hassle moving forward.
Leeds won’t want to set a precedent of bowing under the pressure of player power, but the cons are now firmly outweighing the pros when it comes to keeping hold of their prized asset. As such, should the right bid arrive in Leeds’ inbox, it might just be worth cutting their losses on the Italian and breaking the uncertainty that has the Whites in a debilitating stranglehold at present.
Of course, Gnonto, who joined United from Zurich last summer for a deal in the region of £5m and bagged two Premier League goals, shouldn’t be allowed to leave the club on the cheap. But, with Everton and Roma amongst those reportedly showing strong interest, a deal that suits Leeds and frees up some spending power in return ought to be explored.
As mentioned, Leeds have just 12 days remaining to make much-needed and necessary additions in the transfer window and they cannot afford to waste time. Reinforcements are needed across the park but particularly in attack with the absences of Gnonto and fellow mutineer Luis Sinisterra over the last couple of Championship outings being felt heavily.
They need to act swiftly and decisively in the market and clearing up the sour Gnonto situation would certainly allow them to make moves with clarity and conviction.
