Jim White agrees with Simon Jordan as talkSPORT hosts rage over Willy Gnonto amid Everton and Leeds United drama
talkSPORT hosts Jim White and Simon Jordan have hit out at Willy Gnonto for refusing to play for Leeds United, claiming the Everton-linked forward does not know what real adversity is.
Gnonto made himself unavailable for selection for last week’s EFL Cup victory against Shrewsbury Town and the 1-0 Championship loss at Birmingham City on Saturday [12 August].
Leeds have opened disciplinary proceedings against the Italy international, who continues to be linked with a move to Premier League side Everton.
Jordan took aim at Gnonto on Tuesday’s [15 August] White & Jordan show, saying: “It would appear to me that he’s not getting what he wants, he’s ‘not in the right frame of mind’.
“God forbid that these people ever have any real adversity in their lives, because the terrible thing is you’re going to have to stay at a massive football club like Leeds, picking up a decent salary. What type of characters do these people think they are?”
White agreed with his co-host and added: “Pull on the shirt. Get on with it.”
Salvageable situation
Leeds have knocked back multiple offers from Everton for Gnonto, the latest in excess of £15million [Daily Mail], and have made it clear they do not intend to sell the 19-year-old.
Gnonto’s head has clearly been turned, but there is no excuse for refusing to make yourself available for selection, particularly when your team are already short of options up top.
The Italian was a fan favourite in his maiden campaign at Elland Road when contributing to six goals in 24 Premier League appearances, but it is fair to say his stock has fallen rather dramatically since then.
Indeed, supporters in the St Andrew’s away end at the weekend were quick to let their thoughts known towards Gnonto inside the opening stages of the contest.
Should Leeds stand true to their word and reject any further offers from Everton, Gnonto faces a huge task in winning supporters back over.
As put by former United forward Jermaine Beckford, the situation is indeed salvageable, but only if the Inter Milan academy product knuckles down and fights for the shirt.
In other Leeds news, Tyler Adams appears to be close to joining a Premier League club.