It was always set to be a tough start to the season for Leeds United, as they adjust to life in the championship after three seasons at Premier League level, and things didn't get any easier today after they lost to Birmingham City in their second game of the season.
Their relegation was inevitable for the closing stages of last season, and they have seen many of their strongest players depart Elland Road in recent seasons.
Raphinha left for Barcelona last summer, as did Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City, while Tyler Adams appears to be on the verge of a move to Chelsea.
Leeds would do well, so, to hold on to wantaway star Willy Gnonto, as his quest for a move away from Elland Road continues to cast a shadow over the start of the new season.
Gnonto, who burst into the Leeds team last season after singing from Zurich, has been capped multiple times for Italy as a result of his performances for the club, and is reported to be in high demand from Premier League clubs.
Bamford is BACK! 🔙
Don't sleep on the brilliant play from Wilfried Gnonto to put it on a plate for Patrick Bamford! 👏 pic.twitter.com/WlZ2XCLdrq— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 13, 2023
The saga surrounding Gnonto's potential departure has taken yet another turn, with Leeds now releasing a statement making their feelings clear on the player and any potential sale.
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Leeds United: Wantaway Willy Gnonto to miss another game
Leeds faced Shrewsbury in the first round of the EFL Cup last week, but star forward Willy Gnonto was missing from the squad. The Daily Mail reported that Gnonto had asked to be excluded from the team, amid rumours linking him to either Everton or Burnley in the Premier League.
The reports suggested that Gnonto is frustrated with the prospect of a season of Championship football with EURO 2024 looming, and reports have since emerged linking him with Italian champions Napoli.
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Any report on Gnonto's future included a line insisting that Leeds' position was one of refusing to sell, and they have now released an official statement retirating that stance.
After Gnonto was once again missing for the defeat against Birmingham, Leeds revealed that they had spoken to the player and insisted that he will not be sold:
Earlier this week, Willy Gnonto and his representatives were informed by the club that he would not be sold this summer.
Following those conversations, Willy felt he was unable to play in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie with Shrewsbury Town.
Despite training for the last two days, Willy has informed Daniel Farke that he still does not feel able to play this weekend and has not travelled to Birmingham for the game tomorrow.
This is now an internal disciplinary matter and the club will make no further comment, other than to reiterate that Willy Gnonto is not for sale.
It is not an ideal way for Leeds to begin their return to life in the Championship, and will throw doubt over the atmosphere at the club.
With big clubs from England and Italy in for Gnonto, they will have a fight on their hands to hold on to the 19-year-old Italian.
Featured image: Shutterstock
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