Agent makes big claim about whether Leeds’ best player will leave this summer

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Leeds United are facing up to relegation from the Premier League but Italy international Wilfried Gnonto is likely to stay at Elland Road for at least another season. 

That is according to Claudio Vigorelli – Gnonto’s agent – in conversation with Relevo. 

The former Inter Milan starlet has been a bright spark in a difficult season at Elland Road; a wonderful assist to set up Patrick Bamford during Sunday’s 4-1 hammering at AFC Bournemouth symbolic, in some ways, of how the campaign has panned out for player and club. 

That humiliating defeat on the South Coast – a fourth in five games likely to see Javi Gracia pay with his job – means a return to the dreaded Championship now feels increasingly likely.  

The good news, at least, is that Gnonto could stick around in an attempt to ensure Leeds follow in the footsteps of Burnley and Fulham, and bounce back at the first time of asking. 

Will Wilfried Gnonto stay at Leeds United?

“We’ve all always believed in Willy’s qualities. Maybe in Italy (they trusted him) a little less, due to a lack of confidence in young players,” Vigorelli explains. 

“He’s very happy there and I think he’ll stay there. His path is there.”

Gnonto has found game time hard to come by under Gracia; much to the bemusement of many on the Elland Road terraces. Leeds are reportedly closing in on a deal to parachute Sam Allardyce into West Yorkshire. And the former England boss could do worse than to make the £4 million signing from FC Zurich one of the first names on his team-sheet as he looks to drag Leeds away from the drop zone.  

“I never had any doubts that he would have do well abroad. First in Switzerland, and then at Leeds,” Vigorelli adds.

“The club is delighted with his performances. We will probably meet with the club to discuss a possible (contract) extension.

“There will be no problems.” 

Gnonto has two goals and four assists in 20 Premier League games. The teenager could even benefit from a season in the Championship.

“I love him,” Leeds’ Milan-born chairman Andrea Radrizzani tells Tuttomercatoweb of Gnonto.

“(Gnonto is) Italian and he is an exceptional boy. It’s difficult to find a 19-year-old Italian who speaks four languages very well. (He) has such an open mind.”