With exactly 21 days left until summer signings are a done deal, is Willy Gnonto staying or going? Has he joined the masses of workers in the UK and decided to go on strike? Come on Willy, let us know what you are doing so we can put this to bed and get on with playing football!
As speculation and rumours are rife surrounding Gnonto’s alleged imminent exit, nobody really knows what is happening with this supposed deal. This started back in early June when Everton supposedly showed an interest in buying the Italian, despite his agent Claudio Vigorelli stating in May,
“He’s doing very well at Leeds and I think he’ll stay there, his path is there. The club is enthusiastic about his performances, after the season we will probably meet to discuss a possible contract extension, but there will be no problems”.
Fast forward to June and Vigorelli changed his tune slightly,
“The Premier League experience has been fantastic for him and I think he wants to continue in that direction”.
Everton were hotly tipped to complete a deal but it is now August and yet still no deal even after a £15 million bid was rejected by Leeds United last month. On top of that, Gnonto must be one of the few Leeds United players who did NOT have release clause in his contract, something he may need to discuss with his agent for all future contracts!
According to sources Gnonto refused to play on Wednesdays Carabou cup game against Shrewsbury with manager Farke remaining tight lipped with the words “not available” when questioned on Gnonto’s whereabouts. Following that, Gnonto replied with a two word comment of “not true” after reports of Gnonto allegedly refused to play the match hoping to push a transfer deal through, however was swiftly removed.
He then poured gasoline on the fire by liking a photoshopped image of him in a Everton shirt on another social media platform. A poor decision by the teenager and a lesson how social media actually works and perhaps wise advice to remove the post was maybe given by dad or his agent, but it was up long enough to stir the pot again!
Daniel Farke in his press conference pre-match against Birmingham stated,
“Willy was in training today (Thursday), trained really well and let’s see what happens for the weekend”
but went on to openly and honestly give his opinion on what players he wants at the club,
“I just want players who are fully committed to play for Leeds for the length of their contract, and not to think about some exit clauses when other clubs are interested. I’d rather go without a quality player if he’s not fully committed, that’s the topic for me. This is more or less the lesson we have to learn for the future”.
Powerful words Mr Farke, spoken like a true tyke, say it how you mean it. It’s hard to keep a player that doesn’t want to be there, who is looking to progress their career and even possibly play in the Champions League after having a taste of the Premiership pie. But it’s bittersweet for Leeds United fans who are frankly sick and tired of hearing the same old crap from Leeds United players old and new, how they love Leeds United, they love the fans, they are the best fans in the world, they are a big club, they will stay forever blah blah blah. I am certain Willy Gnonto and his agent are kicking themselves that they didn’t put in a release clause into his contract but for now it’s shit or get off the potty, because if you are staying at Leeds United you have some work to do my friend to get the Leeds United fans singing your name again.
1 Comment
Thoroughly agree with your article and I genuinely hope the 49ers owners take note. On a wider note – where actually are the new owners? Their collective silence is deafening. Why aren’t they standing shoulder to shoulder with Daniel Farke? More to the point where is the corporate nohow that we expected?
Finally – to the new ownership collective: We know you have very limited understanding of knowledge of Football or this great club. Despite being involved in the running of the club for several years – your actual input is anonymous. YOU MUST understand that getting back to the Premier League from the Championship is a double marathon with a marathon to finish. It requires strong leadership (Daniel Farke AND 49ers). It requires a deep and strong squad of players experienced campaigners and upcoming quality players. We don’t have too many of the former but are blessed with the latter in abundance.
The four signings so far have good pedigree albeit as bit part players in lower league teams or overseas leagues.
The friction being caused allegedly by OUR players who are under contract is YOUR business to sort out. It is distracting and makes nonsense of the need to be team players. I feel your options are: sell the premadonna, keep them on a pay per play basis or remove their football licence for the duration of their contact at Leeds.
It’s gone on long enough and if you want this team to get back into the Premier League you must sort this out now. Then give the manager the finances and backing to bring in quality players. You want the good times back you need to open your collective wallets and pay up.