Leeds United summer exit 'asked' for swift transfer as 25-goal Wilfried Gnonto claim made
Your round-up of the latest Leeds United headlines ahead of Saturday’s Championship clash at Cardiff City.
Leeds United are less than 24 hours away from returning to action with Saturday’s trip to Cardiff City offering a chance to renew optimism in West Yorkshire. Daniel Farke’s side suffered their first defeat of the season last week, the manner of which left sections of the fanbase frustrated, but remain well-placed to be in and around the play-off spots with victory in south Wales.
Cardiff have often proven to be a banana skin for Leeds but not so much for Farke, who enjoyed a 3-0 win at the Cardiff City Stadium last season. Those making the long journey will hope for a repeat and in the meantime, the YEP has rounded up some of the latest stories surrounding the club.
Llorente’s swift exit
Diego Llorente has enjoyed an excellent start to life at Real Betis and reports from Spain claim the defender pushed to leave Leeds as quickly as possible. Marca claim Llorente ‘asked to speed up negotiations’ between both clubs in a bid to get settled in as quickly as possible, with no obvious future at Elland Road.
Leeds confirmed Llorente’s permanent exit at the start of July, with the 31-year-old joining Betis in a deal the YEP understands was worth slightly more than the reported €3million (£2.5m). Having been out on loan at AS Roma for the previous 18 months, it was clear the Spaniard envisioned his career being away from the Championship and Elland Road chiefs were happy to move his wages off the books.
Llorente is thought to have pushed for a swift sale in the hope of enjoying a full pre-season at his new club, and the defender has clearly benefitted from that decision. He is the only outfielder to play every league minute and has formed a strong defensive partnership with younger teammate Natan.
Gnonto prediction
Don Goodman expects Wilfried Gnonto to notch 25 goal contributions this season as the winger steps in to fill the boots of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter. Gnonto has enjoyed an excellent start to the new campaign and looks set to be the main man in attack, having signed a new four-year contract last month.
“Gnonto doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone, but all of a sudden he has now become more of the main man after player departures,” he told MOT Leeds News. “Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray and others were getting more plaudits, but he actually had a good season last season after knuckling down.
“He now has a chance to have a stellar season this season in a side that will be challenging at the top. If he thinks the same as me, he can have an even better season this time around.He only made 19 starts last season and that will change this season, injury permitting. It stands to reason that his numbers will only go up and he will nudge 15 goals while getting double figures for assists.”