Everton boss Sean Dyche has been quoted by Everton fan page Prince Rupert’s Tower as saying that Leeds United teen Willy Gnonto is a “good player” – but refused to discuss any reports of interest, or Gnonto refusing to play.
The 19-year-old played 82 minutes on Sunday as Leeds got their 2023-24 campaign off to a start with a 2-2 draw against Cardiff City – coming from two goals down to equalise in injury time. Gnonto actually started up front for us.
On Wednesday night, he was expected to be rested but perhaps, given the last 20 or 30 minutes off the bench as Leeds looked to book themselves in the second round of the Carabao Cup. Something we did, against Shrewsbury.
But reports emerged that Gnonto – who was absent last night – had asked Farke not to pick him. A move to Everton is looking more and more likely. Now, Dyche responded in his latest press conference when asked about Gnonto.
“Well as you know, I do not tend to speak about other players. He’s [Gnonto] a good player,” Dyche told reporters on Thursday, prior to Everton’s Premier League opener against Fulham at Goodison Park – as per Prince Ruper’s Tower.
Dyche: Leeds teen Gnonto a good player, refuses to comment on reports
Why would Gnonto want to go to Everton? That is no disrespect to the Toffees. But why would you want to join a side that were in a similar position to Leeds last season, and the season beforehand? Gnonto is capable of better.
He is more than adept at going to a mid-table Premier League side. Even a club pushing European football. He would surely improve Brighton or Brentford’s teams – Villa, too. It seems side ways even with Everton in the top tier.
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