Leeds Face Willy Gnonto Decision as West Ham, Wolves and Wrexham Circle
Leeds United face a major decision over Wilfried Gnonto’s future before the summer transfer window closes, with the Whites boasting plenty of attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Leeds comfortably secured their Premier League status last season despite experiencing a few difficult spells, with former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke finally establishing the club as a top-flight side at the third time of asking.
The Whites have also strengthened their attacking options this summer with the free-transfer arrival of Harry Wilson following the expiration of his contract at Fulham. The Welshman now provides another attacking option alongside Noah Okafor, Lukas Nmecha, Daniel James, Brenden Aaronson, Anton Stach and Gnonto.
Gnonto joined Leeds from Swiss side FC Zurich for just £3.75 million in the summer of 2022. Since then, the Italian has recorded 23 goals and 17 assists in 147 appearances across all competitions for the club.
However, his playing time was severely restricted last season, with the 22-year-old featuring for fewer than 500 league minutes.
With Wilson now added to the squad, Gnonto could find his opportunities reduced even further. That could open the door for several Championship clubs to make a move for the versatile forward.
West Ham United
West Ham United could be one of the most interesting destinations for Gnonto, particularly given the club’s existing links with Leeds.
The Hammers began life back in the Championship with a 2-2 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor, throwing away a two-goal advantage after Zian Flemming scored twice late in the game.
Manor Solomon was among West Ham’s scorers, finding the net on his debut following his £7 million move from Tottenham earlier in the window. The Israeli winger arrived as a replacement for the outgoing Crysencio Summerville.
Solomon previously impressed in the Championship with Leeds, registering 22 direct goal contributions in 39 appearances. West Ham are also closing in on a reunion with former Leeds teammate Joel Piroe, who finished that campaign as the Championship’s leading goalscorer.
Adding Gnonto could complete an exciting Leeds reunion at the London Stadium.
The Italian’s ability to operate across the front three would give Nuno Espírito Santo another flexible attacking option. At just 22 and with valuable Championship experience already under his belt, Gnonto could be an ideal addition for a West Ham side looking to return to the Premier League at the first opportunity.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers have endured a relatively quiet summer transfer window so far, completing deals for Kieran Trippier, Raul Jimenez and Rafiki Said.
Wolves opened their first Championship campaign in eight years with a 2-2 home draw against Blackburn Rovers, with Jimenez’s late penalty rescuing a point for the Black Country club.
The Old Gold have recently been linked with Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry as head coach Cesar Peixoto looks to add more attacking quality.
However, Gnonto could arguably be the more attractive option.
The Italian brings energy, pace and versatility and could operate in several positions within Wolves’ apparent 4-2-3-1 system. His ability to play on either flank or through the middle would give Peixoto another valuable attacking weapon.
Gnonto would also bring something Wolves currently lack: significant Championship experience.
Despite being only 22, he already knows what it takes to perform in the second tier and push for promotion. His experience could prove valuable to a Wolves squad looking to make an immediate return to the Premier League.
Wrexham
Wrexham remain one of the most ambitious clubs in the English Football League, and their aggressive recruitment strategy has continued this summer.
The Welsh side have already brought in Danny Imray, Ben Whiteman and Anthony Patterson, with around £15 million reportedly spent on those three players alone. A deal worth more than £10 million for Norwegian centre-back Henrik Falchener is also reportedly being considered.
Phil Parkinson already has attacking options such as Nathan Broadhead, Bailey Cadamarteri, Davis Keillor-Dunn and Josh Windass, but Gnonto could give Wrexham another dynamic option in the final third.
With Keillor-Dunn and Cadamarteri seemingly not among Parkinson’s first-choice options, bringing in Gnonto would represent a major statement of intent.
Convincing the Italian to join Wrexham would undoubtedly be difficult, but the club’s growing profile and the influence of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could make the move more realistic than it might have been a few years ago.
Gnonto has already shown that he can make an impact in the English second tier, although he has never truly been the main attacking star of a team.
At Wrexham, that could change.
A move to the Racecourse Ground could give the 22-year-old the opportunity to become one of the club’s leading attacking figures while placing him firmly in the spotlight.
Where do you think Gnonto will end up this summer? Could West Ham, Wolves or Wrexham tempt him away from Leeds?
