Leeds United: Willy Gnonto exit touted after Italy, Euro 2024 snub | OneFootball

Wilfried Gnonto's future at Leeds United has been the subject of speculation

David Norris has criticised Wilfried Gnonto’s attitude at Leeds United following his Euro 2024 snub.

The Italian winger was left out of Luciano Spalletti’s squad for the European Championship in Germany this summer.

Given his talent, the youngster had an underwhelming, if still solid, campaign at Elland Road in the Championship.

Gnonto contributed eight goals and two assists from 36 appearances in the second division last season (all stats from Fbref).

But that wasn’t enough to convince Spalletti that he deserved to take part in the international competition this summer.

Norris suggests Leeds departure for Gnonto

Norris believes that a new club might be needed for Gnonto if he wants to get back into the Italy squad again in the future.

The 43-year-old has criticised the player’s attitude, claiming that more was expected from the player than what we’ve seen from him in the last year.

“I think Italy were right,” said Norris, via Leeds MOT.

“I think he’s done alright, but hasn’t lived up to his standards and there were question marks over his attitude at the start of the season.

“Sometimes it feels as if he looks disinterested, and he has frustrated the fans in the past.

“I just think on this occasion Italy were right not to [call him up].

“If he gets back to his own high standard and keeps his attitude right, it’ll come for him again anyway.

“Maybe he needs a new club and some consistency.”

Gnonto signed for Leeds in the summer of 2022 from Swiss side Basel FC in a deal worth a reported £3.8 million.

The forward made 24 appearances in the Premier League in his debut campaign with the Yorkshire outfit, contributing two goals and four assists.

Gnonto transfer speculation

But relegation to the Championship led to speculation over his future at Elland Road, which even saw him train away from the first team squad last summer.

Gnonto remained with Leeds beyond the transfer window, but the club’s failure to gain promotion back to the top flight has again raised questions over his future.

The 20-year-old has a contract with the Whites until the summer of 2028, meaning the club has a strong negotiating position if concrete interest arrives.

However, it has been reported that Leeds must raise funds due to their poor financial position, which could open the door for Gnonto’s exit.

The transfer window is officially open, and does not close until the end of August.

Gnonto sale could ease financial situation at Leeds

Gnonto didn’t quite live up to expectations last season, and was easily outshone by Crysencio Summerville.

If the Whites could only hold onto one for next year, then the decision would be obvious for most people.

The 20-year-old clearly has a lot of potential, and has already earned 13 caps for the Italian national team, but needs to work on rediscovering his form.

Maybe a change in scenery is what he needs to get his head straight, and if an offer in the region of £15 to 20 million arrives this summer it will be interesting to see how Leeds respond.