The U21s starlet has the potential to become a first-team regular for the Championship club.
As players flooded in and out of Elland Road during the summer transfer window, Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke had a lot on his plate.
After the club was relegated from the Premier League, players such as Tyler Adams, Rodrigo, Max Wober, Robin Koch, and Jack Harrison, among others, left either permanently or on loan.
Three months later, the Whites are third in the Championship and vying for an immediate return to the top flight, but speculation about their players’ futures continues.
TEAMtalk reported at the end of October that Wilfried Gnonto could leave Yorkshire in January, citing sources close to the player.
Lazio, Roma, and Everton are all said to be interested in the £25 million-rated dynamo, which means Farke could lose another first-team player.
Connor Douglas, a current Leeds academy star, could be a surprise replacement for the 20-year-old forward, according to the German head coach.
Season stats for Gnonto
In 13 Championship appearances for the club this season, the Italy international has one goal, one assist, and zero ‘big chances’ created.
Gnonto has started six league games under Farke, demonstrating that his lack of contributions in the final third is not due to a lack of opportunities.
As his performances have been less-than-impressive this season, it could be a wise move for the club to cash in on the young gem if Everton, Roma, and Lazio come in with offers.
Statistics for Connor Douglas at Leeds
Supporters may expect the club to look for a replacement in the transfer market if they decide to sell Gnonto, but Farke could use his willingness to give young players opportunities to unearth a surprise heir.
The 18-year-old winger burst onto the scene with the U18s, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 23 appearances, with all of those goals coming in 15 league matches last season.
He was promoted to the U21s near the end of the 2022/23 season and has four goals in ten matches at that age group to date.
This means he has 13 goals and assists in 33 academy appearances – one involvement every 2.53 matches – compared to the current senior ace’s two in 13 Championship appearances – one involvement every 6.5 clashes.
These figures show that the talented whiz, who turned 18 in October, has produced far more goals and assists at the youth level than Gnonto has for the first team this season.
Of course, there is no guarantee that Douglas will be able to translate his form to the senior squad, but his impressive performances should not go unnoticed, and Farke may look to give him a chance to stake a claim for a spot in the side if Gnonto departs.
The head coach has already demonstrated that age and inexperience are not an issue for him, as 17-year-old Archie Gray has played 18 league games this season.
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