adminLast summer saw criticism aimed at Leeds United for being unable to offload unwanted players. However, this time around, the team have managed to move on several players during the current transfer window.
Daniel Farke revealed that some players needed to leave because they could not be guaranteed regular playing time.
Sebastiaan Bornauw appeared to be one of them, along with Joel Piroe and Wilfried Gnonto. During this window, Leeds have loaned all three players out to different clubs across Europe.
Leeds also did a good job of replacing them, bringing in Nico Elvedi and Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
Gnonto’s move was completed on transfer deadline day after the 49ers managed to reach an agreement for Bahoya.
Leeds United deal is in jeopardy after recent development
The Leeds United loanee ended up at Fiorentina, where he has endured a mixed beginning to the season.
Gnonto has scored one goal in four appearances for the Italian club so far, playing a total of 175 minutes. Fiorentina have featured in seven matches across all competitions this campaign.
The winger is expected to have a gradual start to life at the club following what happened earlier in the season.
After suffering three consecutive league defeats, Fiorentina dismissed Fabio Grosso. They have since appointed Paolo Vanoli, who has guided the side to two victories and a draw.
Wilfried Gnonto has started only one match under Vanoli, featuring in the Coppa Italia with a rotated side.
However, given the current situation, it could become increasingly difficult for Fiorentina to justify triggering the £18 million purchase option for the loanee.
Why Fiorentina might not take the risk with Gnonto
£18 million represents a significant investment for a midtable Serie A club in 2026. Fiorentina already spent more than £100 million during the summer transfer window, yet opted to loan Gnonto rather than sign him permanently.
That suggests they already had reservations about the deal, meaning it would take a strong run of performances from the winger to convince them to make the move permanent.
Now that the team appears to have found some stability and is picking up results with Gnonto on the bench, it could create a difficult situation for Leeds.
For anyone still unconvinced, last year’s situation involving Fiorentina and Jack Harrison provides a clear example. The Englishman joined the Italian side on loan during the second half of the season, but after an underwhelming spell, Fiorentina decided against activating his purchase clause.
admin
