Wilfried Gnonto, a winger for Leeds United, has started just two games in the Championship this season for the Whites, falling out of favor.
But on Friday night, the Italian international was handed a rare chance to play in the starting lineup, and he netted the game’s lone goal as the Whites overcame Bristol City 1-0 at Ashton Gate.
Daniel Farke’s team is now firmly in the running for an automatic promotion slot, and this victory might help them overtake Southampton and Ipswich Town for second place.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri on X stated that should Gnonto maintain this level of performance, the Whites will be happy that they kept him on during the January transfer window despite West Ham’s interest.
It would not have been shocking to see Gnonto leave Elland Road given his lack of playing time, but Leeds will now be hoping he can lead them to an instant Premier League return.
A Leeds supporter provides analysis while Gnonto remains at Elland Road.
Football League World-only commentator Kris Smith offered his assessment of the Italian.
“It’s not really shocking to me, considering how little has happened since that window closed, that chaos with Gnonto in August was primarily caused by his agent giving him bad advice,” he remarked.
The Italian’s body language this season has been incredibly impressive since the summer. He’s shown that he wants to succeed here by acting as he does when on the bench, which will relieve Daniel Farke to know that it is behind him.
“Links were bound to surface in January following what transpired, but the club would undoubtedly be in a stronger position to handle them and manage to hold onto him.”
“Hopefully, this indicates that we’ll soon be able to tier him down to a new contract as well.
“As for the summer, it’s difficult to say for sure what will happen with Gnonto, as it probably depends on the division we end up in.
“If we’re in the Premier League, just ignore selling him because he’ll stay here or want to be here, but if we’re not promoted, then a lot of people would look at him as the first person that we could sell to raise funds and balance the books.”
Gnonto might facilitate Whites’ advancement
After winning the game at Ashton Gate on Friday, Gnonto might be considered a new addition to the Whites if he starts to play more frequently for Farke’s team.
The former FC Zurich player has not had much playing time this season, having only made one start before the 1-0 victory over the Robins. However, based on his performance in the West Country, he may get to play more frequently.
Gnonto’s two goals and four assists in the 2022–2023 Premier League season show off his dangerous potential, and if he starts more often for the Whites, he might be able to lead them back to the top flight.
