Leeds United Outcast On Why He Wanted To Leave The Club: Were The Whites Right To Let Him Leave?

Leeds United Outcast On Why He Wanted To Leave The Club: Were The Whites Right To Let Him Leave? Wilfried Gnonto has explained why he pushed to leave Leeds United for Fiorentina during the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old Italian winger told La Nazione, as relayed by Sport Witness , that he did everything possible to complete the move after hearing about the Serie A club’s interest. He described his final season in England as frustrating and said returning to Italy could help his national team prospects. Gnonto made 29 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign, although Leeds United restricted him to 867 minutes. He scored one goal and provided four assists. Meanwhile, the winger’s wider Leeds record stands at 23 goals and 17 assists in 147 matches. “I took it easy. As soon as I heard about Fiorentina, I did everything I could to be here,” he said. “I needed something different; last season wasn’t the best for me. Being in Italy makes a bit of a difference in terms of the national team. Coming back was the right choice for me; it was easy to adapt; my teammates are all very open and welcomed me really well.” “There was no rush to return, but if Fiorentina calls you, it’s different. As an Italian, I know what this team represents in Italy and for the city of Florence. It’s an honour to be here. I grew in many ways abroad, first and foremost as a person, and I even got my driving license in a foreign country. I hope to bring these experiences here to Italy.” Leeds confirmed the season-long loan on September 1, with an option for Fiorentina to buy him permanently. Did Leeds United make the right decision on Wilfried Gnonto? CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 02: Dominic Calvert-Lewin #9 of Leeds United celebrates his second goal with Wilfried Gnonto #29 against Liverpool FC during the second half at Soldier Field on August 02, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Getty Images) Leeds United had a reasonable footballing case for allowing Gnonto to leave, although his departure was risky. The Italian winger struggled for regular minutes under Daniel Farke, and his comments suggest that he wanted a fresh start rather than another season on the fringes. Farke’s preference for defensive discipline and pressing placed a premium on consistent work without the ball. Gnonto’s limited playing time reflected that selection reality, yet his ability to carry the ball, beat defenders and create chances gave Leeds United a useful attacking option. Losing that profile leaves the squad with less variety. The club’s decision looks more practical because Leeds secured Jean-Matteo Bahoya from Eintracht Frankfurt before completing Gnonto’s exit. That move helped address the immediate need for another wide attacker. Still, replacing a player’s technical qualities involves more than filling a position on the team sheet. Noah Okafor’s arrival gives Leeds another option on the left, while Gnonto’s loan allows him to pursue regular football in Italy. Fiorentina have already seen an early return, with the winger scoring during a 3–0 Coppa Italia victory over Pisa.