Willy Gnonto has already experienced every stage of a Leeds United career in less than four years, and Freiburg’s renewed interest now arrives at a moment where an exit appears increasingly logical.
Gnonto joined Leeds from FC Zurich in 2022 and quickly became one of the few bright points in a difficult Premier League campaign. Leeds were relegated, but Gnonto had caught the eye in England’s top tier.
The Italy international finished his first season with four goals and four assists in 28 appearances, producing fearless performances that immediately elevated expectations around him at Elland Road.
The relationship with Leeds almost collapsed after relegation
Leeds’ relegation in 2023 dramatically changed Gnonto’s situation, with the winger refusing to play for the club during the summer transfer window as uncertainty surrounded his future.
Does Willy Gnonto deserve more game time? 😬
The dispute threatened to derail his Leeds career completely before Gnonto eventually returned and apologised to Daniel Farke and his teammates, rebuilding trust during the Championship campaign.
Gnonto rebuilt his value during Leeds’ return to the Premier League
After the fallout of 2023, Gnonto responded positively on the pitch and became an important figure during Leeds’ push back towards the top flight.
The winger registered nine goals and three assists in 36 regular league matches before helping Leeds win promotion back to the Premier League, form that convinced the club to hand him a new deal until 2028.
Freiburg’s renewed interest arrives at the right moment
According to Florian Plettenberg, Freiburg are now pushing again to sign Gnonto after previously showing interest in him during 2023. The Bundesliga side also tracked him before his move to Leeds.
He said on X: “SC Freiburg are pushing to sign Wilfried Gnonto. Talks between the clubs and his management have started. Leeds are open to a sale or a loan with an obligation to buy. The deal is difficult, but Freiburg are trying for weeks.”
The timing is significant because Leeds are now open to a permanent sale but not a loan move, while Gnonto’s role has clearly diminished since promotion back to the Premier League.
During Leeds’ Championship-winning campaign, Gnonto played 2,283 league minutes across 43 appearances, but that figure dropped sharply to 419 Premier League minutes this season.
If we get offered £10m or more for Gnonto we have to sell, right? 🇮🇹
That money can be used on someone better suited to the 3-5-2 formation… 💰
The drop in starts has been equally striking, with Gnonto making only four league starts this season. Reports say Gnonto is ‘frustrated’ at Elland Road and he himself is searching for an exit this summer.
Leeds now face a crucial summer as they attempt to strengthen a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League, and Gnonto increasingly looks like a player caught between his previous importance and his current standing in the squad.
Freiburg’s long-standing admiration makes the interest credible, while Leeds’ willingness to sanction a permanent deal suggests this is no longer simply a temporary dip in status for the Italian.
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