Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton has told Give Me Sport that Willy Gnonto has impressed those behind the scenes since his move to Leeds United on deadline day – but that patience is likely to be the order of the day for the Italian.
Gnonto, 18, joined Leeds on deadline day from Swiss side FC Zurich. It comes after Leeds missed out on Cody Gakpo and Bamba Dieng in the final hours of the summer window. It is believed a transfer fee cost in the region of £5million.
Yet to be included in the matchday squad for the senior side, Gnonto did play the majority of the 21’s 6-2 win over Southampton. With Leeds last playing on September 3, he has since featured for Italy during the international break.
An impressive cameo role against England was followed by a start in a 2-0 win over Hungary. Leeds are now preparing to take on Aston Villa on Sunday. Thornton says Gnonto has impressed those behind the scenes at Elland Road.
“By all accounts, he’s settled in well. Leeds are quite pleased with him. But they can also be patient with him unless they get injuries in key positions. Then it might be a case of sink or swim. We’ll see how he does in the Premier League.”
Gnonto has impressed behind the scenes at Leeds since deadline day
The hype is growing around Gnonto. While he was seen as a signing that would take time to grow into a senior Leeds player, he is already starting games for Italy in competitive fixtures. It is crazy to think Leeds bought him for just £5m.
So, given he is already impressing those at Elland Road behind the scenes, he might be fast-tracked into the first team. He is more than likely to be on the bench against Aston Villa on Sunday. Victor Orta says he will surprise Leeds fans.
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