We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Leeds United have not missed Willy Gnonto during his injury spell, but there is “absolutely no reason” to sell the Italian in January, according to Paul Robinson.
After his hectic summer window, the 19-year-old has settled into the Leeds side and, when fit, proved an influential body for Daniel Farke. However, injuries have afforded him just four starts in the Championship and hampered the early stages of the season after he missed the last four fixtures.
Per Football Italia (3 October), Gnonto is set to resume training after the international break, but the club’s emphatic performances without the Italian have left many wondering if they need Gnonto to achieve promotion, while a decent January fee could suit all parties.
Robinson has shot down this speculation, claiming that unless Farke is forced to sell Gnonto, he should remain as his quality adds the needed depth to be better than promotion rivals.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, when asked if Leeds could sell Gnonto in January: “No, you keep players that because he’s a quality player. Gnonto is one of the best players that they’ve got and if you’re looking to get out of the Championship, you need better players.
There’s an argument that they have managed without him, but he would make any starting 11 or any squad better. So if Leeds want to get out of the Championship and into the Premier League, you keep players like that.
“Yes, they haven’t missed him. Other than Southampton away, which was the poorest performance of the season, the squad has coped without him.
“If you’re doing well in the Championship and somebody offers you a player of Gnonto’s quality, you take him into your side, so there would be absolutely no reason to sell him in January whatsoever.
“If the manager’s not forced to sell anybody, which financially doesn’t look like he is in that way, why would you weaken your squad when you can carry a player like that for the rest of the season?”
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