Leeds United manager Phil Hay has insisted that talks over a new contract for Wilfried Gnonto have yet to begin at Elland Road.
After pushing and failing to secure a summer move to Everton, there was said to be quiet hope in West Yorkshire that the Italian might smooth the waters with a new contract. According to Hay, Gnonto’s lack of minutes due to injury and the form of others is a big reason why transfer channels are already talking about him ahead of January.
Hay shared his thoughts on the winger in his latest column for The Athletic on Friday [10 November], ahead of what could be another tense transfer window.
“There was a quiet hope at Elland Road that, after Gnonto’s agitating in the hope of a move back to the top flight with Everton in August, the young winger might smooth the waters by committing to a new contract,” he wrote in his letter. But, that possibility has not got off the ground yet and Gnonto’s modest amount of minutes this season are part of the reason transfer channels are already chattering about him and his options.
There is no way.
Daniel Farke will not allow one of his star players to leave the club in January, regardless of how many minutes he is currently getting. It only takes a minor injury or a suspension, which is imminent for Crysencio Summerville, to reopen the door, and Gnonto must be ready to seize the opportunity when it arises. The Italian will admit that he wants more playing time, but Farke revealed in his most recent press conference that he is a happy player with a great attitude.
The Championship season is long and arduous, and with more than 30 games remaining, Gnonto will have opportunities regardless of whether he signs a new contract or not.
A contract isn’t a pressing concern at the moment, either, with plenty of time left and no clauses that could affect his future at the club after January. It would take a stupid offer to change that, which Everton would most likely be unable to afford if they were still interested.
