‘I was told’: Dean Jones shares Leeds plan for new signing Wilfried Gnonto

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Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Leeds United will “carefully manage” Willy Gnonto and give him the chance to settle in over the next few weeks – rather than rush the new signing into the first team and hope for the best.

Leeds signed Italy international Gnonto, 18, on deadline day from Europa League outfit FC Zurich. Having missed out on Cody Gakpo and Bamba Dieng, the Whites turned to Gnonto. It comes as Dan James joined Fulham on loan.

Gnonto gives Leeds some much-needed cover up front, but the Italian is naturally a winger. He joins after shining in Switzerland, where he played 74 times in the senior side, producing 22 goal involvements. He earned an Italy call-up.

But given Leeds have the likes of Rodrigo, Joe Gelhardt and Patrick Bamford up top, and Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra on the flanks, there is no need to rush him into the side. Jones says Leeds will look after him to begin with.

“He was really seen as a player that would be given time to adapt, and there’s no panic for him to break through in a matter of weeks,” Jones said, when asked about the latest new signing at Elland Road in Gnonto.

“I was told when they signed him that he would be carefully managed so that when he comes into the team and onto the scene, he could make an impact. So I think they’re going to be a little bit cautious about how they use him.”

Jones: Leeds will carefully manage Gnonto after Elland Road move

Leeds will not play again until October 2. The passing of the Queen saw last Monday’s game against Nottingham Forest postponed, and a policing issue has seen this weekend’s clash against Manchester United moved back.

With the international break then next, it gives the Leeds players a good three weeks to rest and recover. While it is a long time to wait, it benefits Gnonto in that he has a few weeks to show what he is about before the next outing.

As things stand, Leeds are next in action when they play host to Aston Villa at Elland Road. Gnonto is unlikely to start, but he will surely be among the substitutes against Steven Gerrard’s side.