Jermaine Beckford told LUTV’s Matchday Live programme on Saturday that there is a way back for Willy Gnonto into the Leeds United set-up – if the Italian winger “knuckles down” and puts the graft in to win his place back.
Gnonto, 19, has refused to play in our last two matches. He started against Cardiff City, a game in which Leeds came from behind to draw 2-2. He lasted 82 minutes. He refused to play in the Carabao Cup against Shrewsbury.
The Italian continued to train on Thursday and Friday and right until the Leeds players boarded the bus to travel to The Midlands to face Birmingham – Gnonto informed Farke that he did not want to play. Fans are absolutely fuming.
Asked ahead of Saturday’s game against Birmingham City about the situation surrounding Gnonto, Beckford said that the situation can be “salvaged”. But only, if he is willing to put the work in and show he wants to be at Leeds.
“Yes, it can be salvaged. When he is called upon the next time, he knuckles down, puts the work in, shows up with that big smile and ultimately, if there is a move on the table – there is a move on the table,” Beckford told LUTV.
“There is not much we can do if the prices are met. What we want to see is the positivity that got him noticed in the first place. As long as he continues doing that, there’s always a way back,” Leeds icon Beckford added, on Gnonto.
Jermaine Beckford says there is a way back for Willy Gnonto at Leeds
Gnonto does have interest in his services from Everton. Sky Sports report that while Sean Dyche and Everton are set to complete the signing of Jack Harrison on loan – they are still keen on doing a deal for our Italy international.
But one would expect that given our statement last week, Leeds will only allow Gnonto to go if a big fee is tabled for the winger. At this stage, it seems as if there are two solutions. The price is met, or he admits defeat and returns.
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