Adam Pope has ‘no criticism whatsoever’ for £3.8m Leeds United star but Daniel Farke could oust him this summer

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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke could be somewhat ruthless with one of his players this summer. But it could be best for all involved.

Leeds United beat Preston 2-1 last time out to all but secure themselves promotion to the Premier League, barring any last minute hiccups in what’s been a frantic last couple of weeks at the top of the Championship table.

Daniel Farke’s side are level on 88 points with Burnley in 2nd whilst Sheffield United have fallen down to 3rd, and now five points adrift after their defeat at Plymouth Argyle last time out.

For the Whites, the performance over Preston was a solid one, albeit not a spectacular one, but a solid one given the circumstances and the pressure going into the game, with goals from Manor Solomon and Jayden Bogle sealing the win.

Karl Darlow is earning praise from Leeds United fans having replaced Illan Meslier in goal, whilst Wilfried Gnonto replaced the injured Dan James, and could do so again for the Easter weekend fixtures.

• READ MORE: Gary Rowett explains how Leeds United can still slip up with fiery warning to Daniel Farke

Adam Pope delivers verdict on Wilfried Gnonto at Leeds United

Gnonto has been a bit of a talking point this season. Before Leeds United’s draw at Luton Town earlier in April Gnonto hadn’t started a league fixture for the club. But there’s been cries for Gnonto to play more after his impressive cameo against QPR back in March.

James has picked up a hamstring injury and so Gnonto started on the right against Preston. He put in a decent shift and speaking on Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet, BBC journalist Adam Pope has given his verdict on Gnonto himself and how the team looks when he plays down that right hand side.

Pope said: “It’s just a different sort of vibe with him. He likes to drift in off the side and Bogle completely takes over the Dan James role as well as his own role, doesn’t he? It just looks a bit different.

“But he’s done fine for me. I’ve got no criticism whatsoever… I’ve been pleased with Gnonto and I would still be quite happy if he was in at the 10 role.”

• READ MORE: Leeds United player out of contract this summer now being looked at very closely by Championship rivals

Daniel Farke could oust Wilfried Gnonto at Leeds United this summer

Gnonto hasn’t been unsettled by his lack of minutes this season but it’d be safe to assume that he wants to play more next season; be that with Leeds United or anther team, with the 21-year-old likely to have options should he want to leave Elland Road.

Earlier in the season, reports revealed that Gnonto had interest from Saudi Arabia and that the Leeds United owners valued him at the £50million mark, despite having paid just £3.8million for him in 2022.

Since then it’s been revealed that Leeds United could sell Gnonto this summer if a suitable offer comes along. And Farke’s continued reluctance to start Gnonto over the likes of Brenden Aaronson, combined with a likely promotion to the Premier League, may foretell a lack of minutes for the Italian next season.

For Farke and the 49ers, though, cashing in this summer whilst Gnonto’s stock is high could be a smart business move.