Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has a few selection headaches. However, his words have made it clear that some squad players are unlikely to get an opportunity anytime soon.
His decision to shift to a 5-3-2 formation towards the end of last year transformed Leeds’ season, and they remain favourites to avoid the drop at the end of the season.
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However, the change in formation has also adversely affected the game time of certain players in the squad, and Wilfried Gnonto has been one of those who are no longer starters at Leeds
The Italian winger has not started a league game since the formation change, but Farke’s admission about Jayden Bogle is only likely to add to the winger’s frustration.
Daniel Farke further infuriates Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto
Wilfroed Gnonto no longer has a natural position in the Leeds team, and his recent performance in the FA Cup is unlikely to change Farke’s mind about giving him another opportunity.
However, the winger is set for more frustration as the Leeds manager has indicated that he is open to playing Bogle in a more advanced role, as he is a top-class forward option.
If the right-back plays in a forward role, Gnonto will likely drop down the pecking order, and his opportunities are only likely to diminish further in the coming weeks.
Farke said in a press conference: “He’s good going forward. Not just a full-back who closes the line, but also really good in his offensive game.
“Sure, he can also play sometimes in a more advanced role, will play there for us a few times in the future, but the best position is full-back or wing-back.
“Don’t think he’ll be with Thomas Tuchel at the place as a winger. Provides top-class possibility as a wing-back, but good players can play in many positions.”
Gnonto needs to leave
At the moment, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the 22-year-old winger’s spell at Leeds has lost momentum. He’s no longer a regular starter, and the cameos he’s been given off the bench haven’t quite been enough to force his way back into the starting lineup.
With the system no longer relying heavily on traditional wingers to provide creativity, Gnonto has drifted down the pecking order, and there’s not much to suggest that will change in the near future.
Daniel Farke’s determination to keep the group intact was likely the key reason a transfer didn’t materialise in January.
Wilfried Gnonto 2025/26 Season Stats: Goals, Assists & Minutes by Competition
A complete breakdown of Wilfried Gnonto’s performances this season across
all competitions, including appearances, goals, assists and total minutes played.
Competition Matches Goals Assists Minutes
Premier League 14 0 2 349
FA Cup 2 1 0 154
EFL Cup 1 0 1 32
Total 17 1 3 535
But the summer could be a different story. It may be the right moment for Gnonto to look for a new opportunity and try to rediscover the spark that once made him such an exciting prospect at Elland Road.
A clean break might benefit all parties. It’s difficult to see him re-establishing himself as a central figure in this Leeds side, and if the club can secure a solid transfer fee, it would provide a welcome boost as they prepare for another important summer of reshaping the squad.