Wilfried Gnonto explains why he needed Fiorentina move after difficult Leeds United season

Wilfried Gnonto has admitted he needed a change after a difficult final season at Leeds United, with his return to Italy at Fiorentina offering the fresh start he was looking for.

The Italian forward completed a late summer move from Leeds to Fiorentina, reportedly joining on a €1m loan with an option to buy for another €15m.

For Gnonto, the transfer was about more than simply finding another club. The 22-year-old wanted a different environment after being disappointed with how his previous campaign had unfolded.

“I really hoped it would go through, as I needed something different, seeing as last season was not very positive,” Gnonto explained during his Fiorentina presentation.

His ambitions with the Italy national team also influenced the decision.

“I also think for international duty, playing in Italy was the best solution.”

Gnonto left Italy at only 16, moving from Inter’s academy to FC Zurich before Leeds signed him in 2022.

Those experiences allowed him to develop in Switzerland and England, but returning home had remained appealing.

“I was born and grew up in Italy, so of course I missed it,” he said.

“I wasn’t in a rush to return as such, but if a club like Fiorentina calls, that is different. As an Italian, I know what this represents, and it is a big responsibility.”

This is effectively Gnonto’s first opportunity to establish himself in senior Italian football after leaving Inter before making a first-team breakthrough.

He believes the experiences gained abroad can now benefit Fiorentina.

“I left Italy when I was 16, so I learned a lot in Switzerland and England, as a player and a man, now I hope to use those experiences in Italy.”

Gnonto's move was not straightforward.

Leeds were reluctant to sanction his departure without finding a replacement, meaning the deal was pushed towards the end of the summer transfer window.

The forward, however, clearly wanted it to happen.

Despite acknowledging that his final season was not positive personally, Gnonto still spoke warmly about his experience at Elland Road.

He believes Leeds' young squad and the connection with the supporters were particularly important during his time in Yorkshire.

“That Leeds squad was young, but that was the secret, as we were all starting out together on this adventure,” he explained.

“Another decisive factor was the fans, as in Leeds everyone supports United, just as in Florence everyone supports Fiorentina.”

One of the major objectives behind the Fiorentina transfer is putting himself back into consideration for Italy.

Gnonto previously became a senior international under Roberto Mancini, but his involvement with the national team subsequently stalled.

He is now hoping regular Serie A football can help change that.

“I am grateful to Roberto Mancini for the opportunity he gave me with Italy,” Gnonto said. “Now I am focused on giving my best for Fiorentina and sending more signals to the Italy staff.”

There has already been significant change since he arrived in Florence, with Fabio Grosso replaced by Paolo Vanoli.

Gnonto says Vanoli has given the squad a clean slate and placed an early emphasis on defending collectively.

For the Leeds loanee, the immediate priority is simpler: regain full fitness, secure regular minutes and establish himself in Fiorentina's team.

He is not setting specific statistical targets, although there is one personal challenge providing extra motivation.

Gnonto revealed he has made a bet with Cher Ndour over which player will score more goals this season.

“I don’t think I can lose that,” he joked.

Gnonto now needs to establish himself under Paolo Vanoli and turn his fresh start into consistent Serie A minutes.

A strong season could also leave Fiorentina with a significant decision over their reported €15m purchase option, while giving Gnonto an opportunity to force his way back into the Italy setup.