Gnonto hints at Leeds exit: 'I wasn't used to being around Italians anymore' amid Fiorentina links
Quick summary
Wilfried Gnonto has suggested he is open to leaving Leeds United, expressing comfort around Italians amid reported interest from Fiorentina.
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Attributed to original sourceWilfried Gnonto admits he has had to get used to being around Italians again since returning to Serie A, as speculation grows that his Leeds United career is over.
Speaking to Fiorentina’s official channels , the 22-year-old winger, who joined the Viola on a season-long loan from Leeds in the summer, is settling in well.
“The weather, the food and speaking Italian every day. I’d been away for a while and I wasn’t used to being around Italians anymore. Everything is going well and I’m very happy. The lads aren’t hard to approach and spend time with. Things can only get better.”
He also credits coach Paolo Vanoli with sharpening his fitness.
“One of the things I’m sure I’ve improved on is the physical side. We’re working hard and running a lot. Mister Vanoli is making us run quite a bit, and I feel better physically. I’m at a pretty good point.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 5: Wilfred Gnonto of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 5, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Gnonto’s Leeds future in doubt as Fiorentina hold €21m option Gnonto spent four years in England after joining Leeds from FC Zurich in 2022, making 147 appearances, and he believes the experience improved him.
“Italian and English football are different in terms of intensity. Over there, training sessions are a bit shorter and there’s less tactical work, but they’re more intense. Being there, I improved a lot in that respect. I think it’s important to have a balance between the two. In England there’s more calm and they’re a bit more relaxed. Football isn’t everything there, and maybe that’s better for your personal life.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 15: Wilfred Gnonto of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Coppa Italia match between ACF Fiorentina and Pisa SC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 15, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Fiorentina hold an option to buy him for a reported €21m , and BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope doubts he has a future under Daniel Farke after he slipped down the pecking order following the switch to a 3-4-2-1.
“It’s hard to see where Gnonto fits into Farke’s set-up any more, especially with him going back to Italy to play for Fiorentina on loan,” Pope said, with quotes via TeamTalk .
“In terms of the starting pecking order, Gnonto seems way down the list. Also, if Gnonto plays regularly in Serie A, then he has a chance of reclaiming his place with Italy under Roberto Mancini, who gave Gnonto his senior international debut four years ago.”
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What happened
Wilfried Gnonto has fueled speculation about a Leeds United exit after publicly stating that being around Italians again felt natural, comments widely read as a hint at a potential return to Serie A. Italian outlet reports have linked the 21-year-old winger with a move to Fiorentina, who are reportedly looking to add attacking depth. Gnonto joined Leeds from FC Zürich in 2022 but has struggled for consistent playing time, and his remarks suggest he is ready for a new chapter back in Italy.
Chance analysis
Gnonto's comments arrive at a turbulent moment for Leeds, who look set to operate outside the Premier League spotlight next season, and for a young Italian forward whose development has stalled since his high-profile move from Zürich. Fiorentina have a clear need for pace and width, and a deal would give Gnonto a reset in familiar surroundings ahead of a critical stage in his career. Whether this becomes a concrete transfer depends on Leeds' valuation and Fiorentina's willingness to negotiate, but the player's own words have shifted the story firmly toward an exit.
A likely Gnonto departure weakens Leeds' attacking depth and signals a potential boost to Fiorentina's wide options if a deal materializes.