At first it was Igor Paixao, then it was Facundo Buonanotte and on deadline day, it was Harry Wilson. They were just three players Leeds United tried to sign, to bolster their attacking options.
Paixao’s decision to join Marseille was solved by Leeds, in signing Noah Okafor. But Buonanotte’s move to Chelsea, and then Wilson remaining at Fulham, was not sorted. Leeds lack an attacking midfielder, now.
Better yet, an attacking midfielder able to take set-pieces. Alongside Buonanotte and Wilson, Leeds were also in the market for the likes of Bilal El Khannouss, Nico Gonzalez and Armenian ace Eduard Spertsyan.
While Daniel Farke is no longer playing with a no.10 and has reverted to a 4-3-3 formation with two 8’s, instead of two 6’s and a 10, the need for creation in attack is lacking. Willy Gnonto can change that.
Harry Wilson in action against Man City, for Fulham.
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Willy Gnonto puts name forward to solve Harry Wilson failure
With Brenden Aaronson the only natural no.10, Leeds needed a whole lot better in that position if they were going to field a side that included an attacking midfielder. £3.8m Gnonto is the next-best option.
The youngster has regularly played in the role for Italy’s 21s and did so last season away at QPR last season, helping Leeds stage a comeback from 2-0 down. He told Adam Pope he is ready to play there.
Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte
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“I don’t think I’m the good person to answer but I have done it before. Even last season, not a lot but it is just about how the coach wants to play,” Gnonto said when asked if he would play as a 10 on BBC RL.
“Wherever the coach wants to play me, I’m ready to play and help the team. It’s not too much about position and roles, but we try whenever or wherever we play, we try to use our qualities,” he added.
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The need for a no.10 is over at Leeds, but a set-piece specialist?
Robbie Evans said that Leeds were looking to sign a right-sided winger who could also play as a 10, and of course, take set-pieces. Leeds have bought nine players over 6ft, but failed to sign a set-piece taker.
Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto
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Frustration was felt much more so when Leeds failed to get Wales star Wilson signed. Farke’s side has all the tools to be an imposing threat from set-pieces, but no one to take them this season.
At least, until January. Leeds remain interested in Wilson and could make a January move, and a reunion with Eduard Spertsyan remains a possibility. Leeds will just have to make do until the winter.