Jermaine Beckford’s claim that Willy Gnonto leaving Leeds United is “inevitable” may be painful for supporters to hear, but the evidence increasingly points in the same direction.
Gnonto was central to promotion, but he’s now a peripheral figure in the Premier League, while Freiburg’s interest and Gnonto’s own comments about his future have only intensified questions about what’s next.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Post this week, Leeds legend Jermaine Beckford believes it is “inevitable” that Gnonto will leave Leeds, and his reasoning is difficult to dismiss.
Beckford said: “I do think it’s inevitable, as much as it pains me to say because I love Wilfried. I think he’s fantastic. He’s a funny guy. He’s a lovely guy, always has time for people.
Does Willy Gnonto deserve more game time? 😬
“When you look at him on the pitch as well, he’s a brilliant football player, neat and tidy, very quick. He’s just frustrated. He’s gone from being a regular starter to being, with all due respect, a benchwarmer.
“A player that spends the majority of the time on the bench and then comes on for the last 5, 10, 15 minutes of games. As an attacking player, you don’t get much confidence when you’re on the bench.
“I could see how disappointed he’s been with himself. I do think in terms of financials for the club, to see if we could get a decent amount of money for him as well, I do think it will be best for him to move on.”
The former Leeds striker is not questioning Gnonto’s ability. His argument is that the Italian’s place in the squad has changed dramatically since promotion.
Gnonto was one of Leeds’ most important promotion players
That is what makes the situation so striking. Just a year ago, Gnonto was one of the key figures in Leeds’ title-winning Championship campaign.
He made 43 Championship appearances, scoring nine goals and providing six assists as Leeds secured promotion back to the Premier League.
His performances were recognised when he was named Leeds United’s Young Player of the Year. At that stage, few would have predicted he would struggle for starts just one season later.
The Premier League numbers support Beckford’s argument
Beckford’s assessment becomes even stronger when the Premier League statistics are examined. After playing a major role in the Championship, Gnonto has made just four Premier League starts this season.
The majority of his appearances have come from the bench as his role under Daniel Farke has diminished. That sharp reduction in opportunities helps explain the frustration Beckford described.
Attackers rely on rhythm and confidence. The contrast between being one of Leeds’ most important attacking players in the Championship and a squad player in the Premier League is difficult to ignore.
Freiburg interest and Gnonto’s own hints make a transfer feel increasingly likely
The wider picture also strengthens Beckford’s argument. Freiburg are showing interest in Gnonto, giving the winger a potential route away from Elland Road.
£10m for Willy Gnonto is a fair price, right Leeds fans? 👀
The winger has hinted he is leaving, amid links with Freiburg.
At the same time, Gnonto has hinted at uncertainty over his future, adding further weight to suggestions that this summer could be significant.
None of that guarantees a transfer will happen. What it does show is that Beckford’s comments are grounded in the reality of Gnonto’s current situation rather than sentiment or guesswork.
Leeds still possess a talented young attacker with proven quality. However, when a player goes from title-winning regular to bit-part Premier League option in the space of a year, doubts are inevitable.
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