Leeds United are looking forward to more of the same from Willy Gnonto in the coming years after a bright start, but his former club Inter Milan aren’t pleased.
Leeds’ monitoring of youth players across Europe has been a huge success in the last few years, seeing their squad stacked with plenty of talented players, bought on the cheap.
One of the most recent to have made their debut is Italy international Willy Gnonto, who joined the club from FC Zurich for a reported £3.8million.
While a lot of big clubs are looking to hoover up talent at the moment, Gnonto’s decision to leave Inter Milan at the age of 16 for Switzerland is one that has paid dividends.
Before his move to Leeds, he has been earmarked by Italy manager Roberto Mancini as a real project for the future of the international side, handed a debut to then become his nation’s youngest-ever goalscorer as he netted against Germany back in June.
His development caught the eye of Leeds and a deal was pushed through on deadline day in the summer, a series of events that those at the San Siro won’t be pleased about.
That’s the view of FCInterNews.it, who are reporting that the same that happened with Gnonto looks to be happening again with youngster Enoch Owusu, who is stalling on a new contract.
The progress shown by Gnonto at Zurich and then Leeds is something that Inter are likely to fear is going to repeat itself here with Owusu.
Which position is most important in January?
Striker
Left-back
Central midfielder
Other?
The regret of seeing him leave will definitely sting for Inter, but it’s our gain.
We have seen plenty of young players leave in the past for pastures new and our investment shows that perhaps the tables are turning.
It’s not as if Inter are losing their only talented players for years to come, they have a brilliant academy and it’s only a select few leaving.