The curtain appears to be closing on Wilfried Gnonto’s time at Leeds United. Despite a bright start following his 2022 arrival and a pivotal role in the club’s Championship title-winning campaign, the Italian international has found himself frozen out of Daniel Farke’s plans.
A Shift in Strategy
The primary catalyst for Gnonto’s decline has been Farke’s tactical pivot. Since switching to a 3-5-2 formation in late November, Leeds has enjoyed a dominant run of form. However, this system favors wing-backs and dual strikers, leaving no natural vacancy for a traditional winger like Gnonto.
The statistics paint a bleak picture for the 22-year-old:
- Limited Minutes: He has logged fewer than 350 minutes of top-flight football this season.
- Starting Drought: It has been 13 matches since his last Premier League start.
- The Forest Snub: Perhaps most telling was Farke’s decision to leave him on the bench during the recent 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, even when the game was comfortably won.
The Final Blow: Buonanotte’s Arrival
The January acquisition of Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton seems to be the “final nail in the coffin.” While both players share similar physical and technical profiles, Buonanotte offers the central versatility that Gnonto lacks—a trait Farke clearly prioritizes for his current system.
Looking Ahead
With Leeds already scouting permanent creative reinforcements for the summer, Gnonto’s departure feels certain. Though he will be remembered for moments of “magic” at Elland Road, the club’s tactical evolution has simply outpaced him.
