Leeds fans mock wantaway Gnonto with banner amid Everton transfer interest

19 August 2023 , 08:59

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Leeds fans took aim at wantaway star Wilfried Gnonto (Image: Matt West/REX/Shutterstock)

Leeds supporters made their feelings clear about Wilfried Gnonto during their Championship clash against West Brom on Friday.

During the game, which ended 1-1, a group of Leeds fans held up a banner with a mocked up image of Gnonto as a crying baby with the words: "Waaaah waaaah I not wanna play in the Championship."

The banner was a response to news that Gnonto had handed in a written transfer request as he looks to force through a move to Everton, with a second banner reading: "Play or Farke off".

The Athletic are reporting that Everton have had multiple bids for Gnonto rejected by Leeds, with their most recent offer worth around £25m including add-ons. The winger started Leeds' Championship opener against Cardiff, but has been absent from the squad ever since with the club announcing he has gone on strike.

"Earlier this week, Willy Gnonto and his representatives were informed by the club that he would not be sold this summer," Leeds said in a statement last Friday. "Following those conversations, Willy felt he was unable to play in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie with Shrewsbury Town.

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"Despite training for the last two days, Willy has informed Daniel Farke that he still does not feel able to play this weekend and has not travelled to Birmingham for the game tomorrow. This is now an internal disciplinary matter and the club will make no further comment, other than to reiterate that Willy Gnonto is not for sale."

Farke also revealed on Wednesday that Gnonto is currently "training separated from the group" alongside Helder Costa and Luis Sinisterra. "I think with Willy - we've spoken about each and everything so, what I can say and I think it's also important to say this, in an open and honest way, that at the moment, Helder Costa, Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra are training separated from the group," Farke said.

Gnonto is looking to push through a move to Everton (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

"They have individual training in order to stay fit and to be prepared. They were also moved out of the dressing room, for different reasons. We spoke at length about the situation with Willy."

Several first-team stars have already left the club following their relegation from the Premier League, with the likes of Rodrigo, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Maximilian Wober, Jack Harrison, Brenden Aaronson and Marc Roca all departing.

Midfielder Tyler Adams is also closing in on a move to Bournemouth, while Farke has strengthened his side with the captures of Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, Sam Byram and Joe Rodon.

Matthew Cooper