Leeds United are heading back to the Premier League after securing automatic promotion from the Championship, despite a rocky spell in March and early April that saw them win just once in six games and nearly derail their campaign. But now that the job is done, all eyes turn to what comes nextโand that means another summer of uncertainty, excitement, and likely change at Elland Road.
Of course, the Championship isnโt over yet. Someone still needs to join Leeds and Burnley in the promised land next season. The play-off final will take place at Wembley Stadium on 24 May, with the Blades the favourites in the Sheffield United vs Sunderland odds.
Promotion rarely comes without a reshuffle. Teams that climb into the top flight often undergo significant changes, using the financial windfall to strengthen the squad. At the same time, the very players who helped secure promotion can become transfer targets themselves. For Leeds fans, that means an anxious wait to see who stays and who goes. Among the names at the centre of speculation is Wilfried Gnonto.
The Italian winger has been a fan favourite since arriving from FC Zรผrich in 2022. Energetic, fearless, and capable of moments of magic, Gnonto has already made over 100 league appearances for the Whites.
His contribution this seasonโeight goals and five assistsโwas crucial to the clubโs return to the top flight. But with that success comes fresh interest.
Leeds reportedly turned down interest from the Saudi Pro League during the winter window, but holding onto Gnonto this summer could prove more difficult. Despite signing a new four-year deal last summer, which gives Leeds significant leverage, the rumour mill continues to churn. The clubโs owners, 49ers Enterprises, are said to have placed a ยฃ50 million valuation on him. That figure is both a deterrent and a potential opportunity: if a club meets it, Leeds could use the cash to reinvest in a deeper, more Premier League-ready squad.
From Gnontoโs perspective, a move could also make sense. Heโs still only 21, and though he has 13 caps for Italy, he hasnโt featured for the Azzurri since December 2023.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, a higher-profile moveโwhether within the Premier League or to one of Europeโs elite clubsโcould boost his international prospects. That said, staying at Leeds and proving himself in Englandโs top division could also put him back on Luciano Spallettiโs radar.
Then thereโs the question of Leedsโ managerial situation. While Daniel Farke often made his side favourites in the Championship betting odds, reports suggest that the 49ers arenโt fully convinced by the German managerโs track record in the Premier League, which adds another layer of uncertainty. A new boss could bring a new visionโone that either makes Gnonto central to the project or deems him expendable.
So, will he stay and try to help Leeds consolidate their Premier League status? Will the lure of the Saudi Pro League prove irresistible? Or will he find himself wearing the shirt of a Champions League club by the end of August? Only time will tell. But one thingโs for sure: Gnontoโs future will be one of the stories to watch this summer.
