‘Not Yet Authorised’ – Leeds United Hold Off Granting Exit For Star | OneFootball

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Leeds United ‘have not yet authorised’ winger Willy Gnonto to join Italian Serie A side Fiorentina as they want to have a replacement arranged first.

Gnonto arrived at Elland Road from Swiss side FC Zurich in the summer of 2022 and initially made a big splash.

His impact has dwindled though, as has his ability to convince Daniel Farke to hand him game time, and an exit has looked to be on the cards.

The 23-year-old made 23 Premier League appearances for the club in the last campaign, but is yet to feature for them this season.

The Italian winger is expected to leave the club before the end of the summer transfer window and Fiorentina have been working on a loan deal.

Leeds United and Fiorentina have an agreement in place for the transfer of Gnonto, which will take the basis of a loan, with the Italian side covering all his salary, and an option to buy.

However, Gnonto has not got the green light from Leeds to complete the move yet.

According to Italian outlet Firenze Viola, Leeds ‘have not yet authorised’ Gnonto’s exit as they want to have a replacement lined up first.

Farke wants to add more depth to his attack if Gnonto leaves the club, and Leeds have been trying to sign Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk.

It is believed that Mudryk wants to join Leeds, but Chelsea have already rejected a loan offer from the Whites and it is far from clear whether that move will happen.

With time running out in the summer transfer window, Fiorentina will hope that Leeds find a replacement and authorise Gonto’s transfer to La Viola.

Leeds have a number of irons in the fire before the window closes and have faced continued calls to bring in another striker.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored at the weekend, but Leeds could be taking a risk if they bank on him remaining fit all season long.