Willy Gnonto stayed at Leeds United in the summer despite trying to force his way out of the club amid interest from Everton and European sides – and Gus Poyet gave his verdict to Football League World.
Gnonto, 19, refused to play back in the summer in games against Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City and West Brom. But, he has since returned to the fold – although, he is currently on the sidelines injured.
The winger had plenty of interest in him. Everton made bids to sign the Italy wonderkid, Freiburg over in Germany were keen. A Napoli Calcio Live report say Fiorentina and Sassuolo could make January bids.
Poyet, who spent a year at Leeds as assistant to Dennis Wise between 2006 and 2007 and is now the manager of Greece, was asked about Gnonto. He shares how Farke must find a balance over his future.
“The coach will always try his hardest to keep a player like Wilfried Gnonto. He needs to balance out how important the money would be to the club and how important the player is to the team,” Poyet said.
“It is a difficult situation. When you have a player of that quality you want to keep them at least until the end of the season,” the Uruguayan added when discussing Gnonto in a Football League World interview.
Gus Poyet gives verdict on Willy Gnonto future at Leeds United
If Leeds are going to keep Gnonto beyond January and for the rest of the season, promotion is crucial. Financially, it means Leeds do not have to cash in on a player like Gnonto to keep Leeds secure, afloat.
Secondly, to match Gnonto’s ambition. Keeping him for a season while he is still in his teens is all good, but a second season and it is too much time for a player like Gnonto to be in the Championship.
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