Sources: Leeds makes clear Wilfried Gnonto transfer decision after deal agreed
Daniel Farke will pull the plug on any move for Wilfried Gnonto this month as Jack Harrison closes in on a move from Leeds to Fiorentina.
Harrison is expected to join Fiorentina in the coming days after the Serie A side agreed a deal with Leeds, despite the official confirmation being delayed.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Daniel Farke has no plans to further weaken his squad in the mid-season window.
Gnonto has made just 15 appearances so far this season, with only five of those coming from the start, but remains a key part of the squad at Elland Road.
He scored in Leeds’ 3-1 win against Derby in the FA Cup and came off the bench as Farke’s side beat Fulham 1-0, illustrating the role he can still play.
Leeds United respond to Wilfried Gnonto interest
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 25 November that Leeds could accept offers for Gnonto as he is out of favour under Farke.
However, following Harrison’s imminent move to Fiorentina, any speculation about the winger’s departure has been dismissed and he will remains at Leeds.
Gnonto remains a key part of Leeds’ plans, despite struggling to crack the starting XI as a result of their incredible run of form in recent weeks.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think he’s still going to be part of their plans, especially now that it looks like Jack Harrison is leaving Leeds to go to Fiorentina.
“I don’t think Daniel Farke will want to weaken his squad any further without reinforcements coming in.
“Gnonto will have a role to play in Farke’s side in the second half of season. Leeds have been on a good run of form, so it’s been hard for him to break in to the starting XI.
“But he’s made an impact when he has come off the bench, he started the FA Cup game against Derby and he got a goal in that one.
“So yeah I still think he’s got a role to play for Leeds in the second half of the season.”
Daniel Farke makes Joel Piroe exit decision
Gnonto is not the only player on the fringes of the Leeds squad who is being linked with a move away this month, as speculation continues to surround Joel Piroe.
However, Football Insider revealed on 13 January that Leeds do not plan to sell Piroe as he still has a role to play between now and the end of the season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha remain the first-choice duo under Farke, but his new-look system could see Piroe involved if either suffers an injury.
Similar to Gnonto, Piroe impressed during the FA Cup victory against Derby and has cemented himself as an important part of the squad despite his lack of minutes.
The former Swansea frontman recorded a game-leading four shots on target during his 89 minutes in the action, while one of his seven total efforts at goal also hit the woodwork.
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