According to Joe Donnohue, Willy Gnonto’s position at Leeds United is now under threat following the addition of Jaidon Anthony in the Luis Siniterra deal.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist said on the Inside Elland Road podcast (September 7) that the new loanee will “really push” the Elland Road youngster, and if the 19-year-old does not take part in the game of him after “wanting out” ” During the transfer window, he may have to face the absence of Italian teams as Daniel Farke could opt for newcomers.
Gnonto missed a string of matches in August as he looked to move to Everton, but started the last two matches when the Toffees were last seen on deadline day.
Donnohue says (13:45):
“He has added competition to Willy Gnonto. Gnonto wants to leave and now you have someone who is very capable…someone who has shown he is at the top level of the championship [Anthony], who will threaten that left winger position, he can play both. “He is the one who will really push Gnonto, because if suddenly Daniel Farke says:
“Actually, Willy, you don’t do it for me, I’ll fight Jaidon there instead,” those call-ups to Italy will start to dry up pretty quickly when you’re not playing and competing in the championship enemy.
To be fair to Gnonto, he has been quite sharp against Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday since he and Farke smoothed things over.
But bringing in Anthony was a win-win from Leeds United’s perspective when it became clear that keeping Siniterra would be more trouble than it was worth.
The Bournemouth loanee has proven himself in the Championship and keeps Farke’s options open.
If his arrival ensures that Gnonto remains motivated to retain his place in the team, it will help the club get the most out of the Italy international, who at the time will be one of best player of the tournament.
And Anthony should be a key contributor in his own right over the course of a long season in the hunt for promotion. On talent alone, there won’t be much to keep Gnonto out of the White XI this season, but given his side are pushing for him to leave before the deadline, it would certainly help to have a deputy have the capacity if something similar happens in the future.
