Willy Gnonto
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Mon 23 June 2025 8:05, UK
Willy Gnonto has been away on international duty while many of his Leeds United teammates have their feet up.
After securing the Championship title, Daniel Farke’s men were afforded some rest to rejuvenate for the Premier League season.
However, some have been representing their respective countries at the UEFA Under-21 European Championship.
Gnonto was in the spotlight for Italy as they faced Germany in an enthralling game in the quarter-finals.
Willy Gnonto Leeds United
Gnonto will be a Premier League player next season (Credit: Imago)
Gnonto endures a torrid evening for Italy
Gnonto had a mixed season in the Championship for Leeds, but still made a significant contribution for the Elland Road club.
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The winger has carried sizeable hype around him during his time in Yorkshire, with many tipping him for a big future.
However, he has never quite been able to nail down a consistent place in the Whites’ starting lineup.
Last season, he made 43 Championship appearances, but only 26 of those were starts – less than he would have wanted.
Gnonto still notched nine goals and six assists and will want to lay down a fresh marker in the Premier League, after shining there in his first season.
Willy Gnonto’s 2024/25 Championship statistics Total
Appearances (starts) 43 (26)
Goals 9
Assists 6
Touches 32.9
Accurate passes 17.3 (81%)
Successful dribbles 1 (56%)
Gnonto made his mark on the Championship (Sofascore)
Gnonto was slammed by Italian media for his performance against Romania and has endured similar treatment after being sent off in Italy’s 3-2 defeat to Germany after extra time on Sunday.
Skysport.It shared that he left the pitch in tears after a “useless” slide tackle while already booked.
Mondo Primavera gave the winger a 5/10, saying: “He struggles to leave his mark in the opponent’s half. The expulsion for naivety in the 81st minute weighs heavily on the economy of the match”.
Sport Virgilio felt Gnonto’s first booking was harsh, but his second was too naive.
Willy Gnonto Leeds United
Gnonto was visibly emotional after his red card (Credit: Imago)
Will Gnonto get Premier League opportunities for Leeds United?
Gnonto will be hoping his manager was not watching events unfold last night as his European Championship campaign ended in heartbreak.
The 21-year-old faced competition for a place at Elland Road last season, and that is likely to become fiercer with possible new arrivals.
Dan James was lethal on the right and will likely remain ahead of Gnonto for a place in Leeds’ starting 11.
On the left, Manor Solomon has returned to Tottenham, meaning there could be opportunities for Gnonto on the opposite flank.
However, he will likely have a scattered impact, and he will need to make his opportunities count.
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