Leeds United’s return to the Championship after a torrid 2022-23 Premier League campaign could be hit with yet another snag after the club remains at odds with star striker and Italian international Wilfried Gnonto.
The 19-year-old Inter Milan and FC Zürich academy attendee was one of the real spark plugs at Elland Road last summer despite Leeds failing to avoid the drop down the ladder and has garnered interest from Everton this summer.
But according to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are not prepared to let the Verbania-born forward depart Yorkshire this window and have listed him as not for sale, much to the frustration of the youngster.
The relationship between Willy Gnonto and Leeds is completely broken now.
He’a not willing to play at Birmingham tomorrow, he hasn’t travelled and he wants to leave. Already agreed terms with Everton. 🔵 #EFC
Leeds insist on their position: not for sale. pic.twitter.com/1TYQsM9TgT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 11, 2023
As such, the relationship between the player and the club now appears to be severed entirely, with Gnonto refusing to play in Leeds’ clash with Birmingham City tomorrow, while also not being a part of the traveling entourage due to his insistence surrounding his desire to leave this summer after having already agreed to personal terms with the Toffees.
Gnonto made 28 appearances for Leeds last season across all competitions, and though he only managed four goals from predominately playing on the left flank, his energy, dynamism, pace, and technical graft on the ball often made him a nightmare for opposition defender to cope with across ninety minutes of action.
Having already opened up his account for his country at senior level in eleven caps under Roberto Mancini, remaining in the Championship could certainly scupper his chances of being included in the Italian squad for Euro 2024 next summer. As things stand, however, Leeds are unlikely to switch gears in the market.
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