Leeds United expert issues ‘exciting’ Wilfried Gnonto claim after ‘massive’ development
Wilfried Gnonto’s appearances for Italy should be getting Leeds United fans “excited”.
That’s according to ex-Whites stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about his former side’s newest signing.
Gnonto signed for Leeds United on transfer deadline day (1 September).
He was called up to the senior Italy side for this month’s internationals and was afforded half an hour against England on Friday (23 September) before being given a start against Hungary on Monday (26 September).
Kenny was blown away to see the striker starting for his country.
“You have an 18-year-old playing international football,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“It’s a massive thing, for Mancini to give him that opportunity really shows what he thinks of him. I’m sure it is exciting for Leeds fans.
“Hopefully he can progress and they can see what Mancini sees in him and he can then bring that to Leeds.
“We have spoken about the striker issue at Leeds for ages and even if this guy isn’t a big name, he is a full Italy international.
“He’s not just another kid. He’s one to keep an eye on for sure and hopefully we can see him in the Premier League soon.”
Patrick Bamford, whose 2021-22 season was heavily hampered by injury, has already picked up one knock this term, ruling him out of two Premier League games.
Leeds are next in action against Aston Villa on Sunday (2 October).
In other news, sources have told Football Insider that Leeds United are set to open Jack Harrison talks after a bid was tabled.