Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Tue 12 May 2026 9:59, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto must be set to leave the club this summer after Dan James was given a start ahead of him against Tottenham on Monday night.

Gnonto has struggled for minutes upon Leeds’ return to the Premier League this season, after he was integral to their promotion from the Championship last term.

The Italian winger last started a league match in November before Daniel Farke switched to a 3-5-2 formation, and was left on the bench from the off against Spurs on Monday too.

James was instead trusted to start at right wing-back in Jayden Bogle’s absence, in a clear sign that Farke does not look set to give Gnonto a chance to prove himself at Leeds before the season ends.

Leeds’ transfer plans will be ramping up after their Premier League safety was confirmed, with Gnonto surely set to leave for pastures new after this latest snub.

Wilfried Gnonto surely set for Leeds exit as Dan James handed wing-back starting berth

Bogle’s injury concerns led many to believe that Gnonto would be handed a start on the right of Farke’s back five for Leeds’ trip to Spurs.

The 22-year-old was, however, left on the bench from the off as Wales star James was handed a rare start of his own at right wing-back.

James has rarely been fit to play at all this season, let alone play in defence, and Gnonto’s previous experience in the position made him the obvious choice to start in North London.

Farke’s snub should speak volumes about his future, or lack of, at Elland Road, even though he did impress when he came on as a substitute in the second half.

Football Insider previously revealed that Leeds will consider letting Gnonto leave permanently this summer if a big offer for his services arrives.

That now looks destined to happen, since they are regularly playing without wingers, and he is now seemingly third in the pecking order to start at right wing-back going forward.

What has Farke said about Gnonto’s future at Leeds?

Farke failed to even mention Gnonto in his post-match press conference on Monday, insisting that James “had to play” at right wing-back because he “did not have any other options.”

The Whites’ boss even mentioned potentially starting Sebastiaan Bornauw there, but he wanted to be more attack-minded, so Gnonto is clearly not in his plans to start in the position any time soon.

Farke spoke about the 22-year-old’s lack of opportunities last month, saying: “(Wilfried is) at his best when we have lots of possession. When we’re under big pressure, it could be tricky for him. Top-class human being. (He) can’t play all of them.”

Leeds are very rarely the team that dominates the ball in the Premier League, and their stay in the top flight will surely spell the end of Gnonto’s time at Elland Road this summer.