Leeds United: ‘Extreme’ Willy Gnonto update shared as Elland Road contract developments emerge amid transfer interest
Ben Jacobs reports that Willy Gnonto has shown himself to be “extremely professional and focused” at Leeds United in spite of transfer interest during the January window.
On January 23, the journalist stated on Twitter that the 20-year-old’s position has completely changed, with a new contract at Elland Road now being considered “close,” following his summertime drive to sign with Everton.
There was never any chance he would leave this month, despite the fact that clubs have been chasing him, according to reports that the Whites had no intention of accepting any bids.
“It is confirmed that Wilfried Gnonto is nearing a new contract with Leeds,” said Jacobs. Gnonto is believed to have been incredibly professional and focused despite fresh rumours, having attempted to push an Everton move over the summer. Leeds always expected to reject offers in January despite interest.
Growth
Gnonto was the youngest player in the bunch, so it is hard to hold him too heavily responsible given how many other Leeds United players tried their hardest to go in the summer and appeared to be successful.
The Italian made apologies with Daniel Farke after failing to leave since he did not have the relegation release clause that many others did, which players like Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra reportedly managed to take use of even beyond their scheduled expiration [The Athletic, 2 September].
Given that the manager has seemingly taken such a strong line with players like Charlie Cresswell and Leo Hjelde, it is beginning to appear that this is no small task, so Gnonto must have impressed with his approach.
Give him credit for getting over what must have been a frustrating experience of being left off the roster and not being allowed to go, especially considering that he hasn’t played as much as was anticipated after that.
Although Gnonto would be greatly needed if either Dan James or the excellent Crysencio Summerville were hurt, there is still room for improvement given the limited possibilities and obvious evacuation routes.
Even though his quiet signing was thought to be a long-term move, Gnonto’s entire Elland Road career has taken unexpected twists up to this point. Last season, for example, he became an unexpected star in the Premier League.
It was as unexpected that Javi Gracia kept him out of the game despite the Spaniard’s rapid ascent to the top, and that Sam Allardyce chose to ignore him when the team so obviously needed a spark.
He was expected to play a major role in the Championship after being demoted, but instead he filed for a transfer and took on a supporting role. Despite this, a new contract is being considered because he is proving to be unpredictable.
