Angus Kinnear has told the LUFC Trust during a meeting staged on Thursday evening that Leeds United still see Willy Gnonto as a “talisman” in Daniel Farke’s squad – and a player that Farke can build around.
The 19-year-old is of course training by himself. It comes after Leeds rejected offers from Everton for his services – publishing a statement that said he will not be sold this summer. He has since refused to play.
Starting against Cardiff and lasting 82 minutes, he told Farke he was not available for selection against Shrewsbury Town. Having trained prior to Birmingham, he told Farke again, he was not available to play.
He, alongside Luis Sinisterra and Helder Costa, have been removed from first-team training. They are working on their own, unlikely to be considered for tonight’s match against West Brom at Elland Road.
Asked about the situation regarding pocket-sized winger Gnonto, chief executive Kinnear gave his take on Gnonto. Clearly, the Leeds CEO remains unfazed in his belief that Gnonto should be kept at Leeds.
The LUFC Trust reported, from the meeting with Kinnear on Thursday: “It seemed fitting at this to raise the Gnonto speculation. It was clear Gnonto is a player the club see as someone who can be a talisman.
“And that should be retained. Angus was keen to get across that if players are here at the end of the window it will be because they are ready for the fight,” the LUFC Trust added, on the issue of Gnonto.
Kinnear: Leeds still see Gnonto as a talisman in Farke’s squad
Well, if Gnonto has got his head on and apologises to the fans – and then instantly shows why Leeds feel he can be a talisman, fine. But, there is going to be a long road way back before he is accepted again.
Perhaps, Leeds have a price in mind and until that is reached – they will just keep rejecting offers. The last of which is said to have been in the region of £25m. The next couple of weeks will be interesting.
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