Graham Smyth has called for Leeds United to bring the Willy Gnonto transfer saga to an end as soon as possible.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist said on 21 August that is it “difficult to envisage” that the Italy international remaining at Elland Road would be the best-case scenario for anyone after the situation has become “toxic”.
With the Whites having turned down offers from Everton during this transfer window, Smyth believes now could be the time to let the Premier League club know what it would take to allow the 19-year-old to head to Goodison Park.
“Now that the whole thing has become so toxic, however, it is difficult to envisage his retention as what is best for Leeds United or the player,” he said.
“Leeds have already shown a measure of mettle, by turning down Everton’s advances, but if there is a number that would allow Elland Road chiefs to feel any kind of satisfaction then perhaps now is the time to let their Goodison counterparts know. Or those in Serie A with any interest. Set the terms, control the exit and then reinvest the profit.
“If Gnonto cannot contribute on the pitch, let him do so on the balance sheet. Perhaps the now-famous words of Liam Cooper should dictate in any situation involving a want-away player. If they don’t want to be here…fill in the blanks.
“If there is a way back from this then it will be to the credit of the player, the club and the fanbase because it will require almost superhuman levels of humility, tolerance and forgiveness. If there isn’t, then do what is best for Gnonto and Leeds United and bring the sorry saga to what now appears to be a natural conclusion.”
Clarity needed
There is no doubt that Leeds, the fans and Gnonto all need clarity in this situation as quickly as possible because, as Smyth alluded to, it has turned toxic and it isn’t good for anyone involved.
The Whites are entirely within their rights to keep hold of him or ensure they get as much money as possible from a transfer, but the relationship between the player and everyone associated with the club is getting worse by the day.
This is a teenager that is currently being really poorly advised and he is taking a lot of abuse for that, so his advisers really need to come together and find a resolution with the club.
It doesn’t really seem possible that he can go back to playing at Elland Road after all the hurt that has been caused by his refusal to play in recent weeks.
It feels as though the situation is having an impact on the rest of the squad and it is clearly hampering Daniel Farke’s ability to put his side in the best position to challenge for promotion this season.
