Leeds United have several important decisions to make regarding their squad over the coming weeks as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Whites are already active in the transfer market and could be edging closer to a club-record signing after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande.
Leeds are also expected to enter the market for a new goalkeeper after reports emerged that Manchester United are pushing to sign Karl Darlow on a free transfer this summer.
While arrivals remain a priority, the club must also finalise several outgoing deals, and former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford believes one player’s exit is becoming increasingly unavoidable.
Beckford expects Gnonto to leave
Wilfried Gnonto played a reduced role for Leeds last season and has struggled to secure consistent first-team football for some time.
Bundesliga side Freiburg have been in discussions over a potential move for the Italian winger, and Beckford believes it is only a matter of time before Gnonto departs Elland Road.
Although the former striker remains a huge admirer of the 22-year-old, he feels the player’s frustration has become evident and that a move away would benefit everyone involved.
“I do think it’s inevitable, as much as it pains me to say, because I love Wilfried,” Beckford told The Yorkshire Post.
“I think he’s fantastic.
“He’s a funny guy. He’s a lovely guy, always has time for people. When you look at him on the pitch as well, he’s a brilliant footballer, neat and tidy, very quick.
“He’s just frustrated. He’s gone from being a regular starter to being, with all due respect, a benchwarmer, a player who spends most of his time on the bench before coming on for the final five, ten or fifteen minutes. As an attacking player, confidence is everything, and you don’t gain much confidence sitting on the sidelines.
“I could see how disappointed he’s been with himself for not being able to reclaim a regular starting spot. From the club’s perspective, if Leeds can secure a good transfer fee, it would also provide valuable funds to reinvest in the squad. I think moving on would be the best outcome for him.”
A summer exit appears increasingly likely
Following Daniel Farke’s tactical adjustment midway through last season, it became increasingly clear that Gnonto no longer had a natural role within Leeds United’s preferred system.
While the Italian remained involved in cup competitions and was regularly used as an impact substitute, opportunities to start Premier League matches became far less frequent.
Farke has always preferred stability once he finds a successful formula, and since altering his approach, Gnonto has found it difficult to force his way back into the manager’s strongest XI.
There was significant interest in the winger during the January transfer window, but no deal materialised and he stayed at Elland Road. This summer, however, a departure appears considerably more likely.
Should Gnonto leave, Leeds will be looking to secure a sizeable transfer fee, with the proceeds potentially helping fund further additions as they continue strengthening the squad ahead of another Premier League season.
