Darren Bent has acknowledged that he is “shocked” that Wilfried Gnonto is still at Leeds United despite being linked with a move away from Elland Road.
Following a successful 2023/24 season in Leeds colours, in which he scored eight goals and assisted two in the Championship, the Whites rejected a £23 million proposal from Everton earlier this summer [The Athletic].
The Toffees had previously expressed an interest in the 20-year-old winger, but the Italian remains at Elland Road and might be essential to Daniel Farke this season.
On Thursday (15 August, 4:09pm), Bent told talkSPORT: “I’m amazed that Gnonto is still there. He’s been linked with a transfer away for the past three windows.”
Wilfried Gnonto’s surprising transfer update at Leeds United
Following Crysencio Summerville’s departure to West Ham United earlier this month, Farke will be looking for another of his players to step up and lead the Whites back into the Premier League.
He scored his first goal of the season in a 3-3 draw with Portsmouth on Saturday, August 10, and has often demonstrated his ability in the final third, making him a valuable asset right now.
Georginio Rutter is also poised to join Brighton, having turned down a new contract at Elland Road after the Seagulls activated his release clause [Alex Crook], leaving the club with fewer attacking options.
If Gnonto wants to be Farke’s new go-to player, he will need to improve his goal-scoring numbers, even after taking Dan James’ right-wing berth in 2023/24.
Of course, replacing the goals lost by Summerville’s departure would be incredibly difficult, given he scored 19 in the Championship last season, but fans will be hopeful that Gnonto can find another gear.
