Leeds United Star ‘Cried With Joy’ After Long-Awaited Transfer Finally Went Through

Wilfried Gnonto’s move away from Leeds United has now been given another interesting twist, with reports from Italy revealing just how much the winger wanted his summer transfer to Fiorentina.

The Italy international joined Fiorentina on loan from Leeds United at the end of the summer window, returning to his home country after several years playing football abroad. Leeds officially confirmed that Gnonto would spend the 2026/27 season with the Serie A club, bringing an end to his time at Elland Road for the moment.

However, the transfer was not as straightforward as it may have looked from the outside. New information from Italy claims that Gnonto spent an entire day waiting for the final green light from Leeds, with the player extremely keen for the move to be completed.

The story gives a different picture of the transfer from the usual deadline-day drama. While fans normally see the final announcement and assume the paperwork was simply completed behind the scenes, Gnonto was reportedly waiting anxiously for the deal to become official.

And when Leeds finally gave their approval, the reaction from the 22-year-old was emotional.

According to FiorentinaNews, Gnonto cried with happiness when he received the confirmation that he could complete his move to Florence. The report also says he had a huge smile on his face after the long wait finally came to an end.

Wilfried Gnonto waited for Leeds United green light

The important part of the story is that Leeds were not simply waiting for the Fiorentina deal to be completed.

The Whites wanted to bring in Jean-Mattéo Bahoya before allowing Gnonto to leave. Bahoya’s own move from Eintracht Frankfurt was completed extremely late in the window, with Leeds submitting the necessary deal sheet before the remaining formalities were completed. The young attacker eventually became a Leeds player the following morning after spending the night in Germany.

That situation had a direct effect on Gnonto.

The Italian winger had already made it clear that he wanted to return to Italy, and Fiorentina became the club that offered him the opportunity. Earlier reports also suggested that a move back to Serie A could help him get back into the picture for Italy.

Gnonto himself has since spoken about his return to Italy and his appreciation for Roberto Mancini, who gave him his international debut in 2022. He also scored his first goal for Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia against Pisa, giving him an early positive moment with his new club.

For Gnonto, then, this was much more than another transfer.

It was a chance to return to the country where he was born and grew up, while also starting a new chapter in his professional career.

The transfer was eventually completed, with Leeds confirming that Gnonto would remain at Fiorentina until the end of the 2026/27 campaign. The move means the player will now get regular exposure to Serie A football after spending the previous four seasons in England.

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Leeds United fans now have to watch Gnonto’s Serie A journey

For Leeds United fans, Gnonto’s departure is another interesting part of the club’s summer transfer activity.

The former Premier League player became a popular figure at Elland Road after arriving in 2022. He was also part of the Leeds side that won promotion back to the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring nine goals and providing six assists as Daniel Farke’s side lifted the Championship title.

His final season before the loan move saw him make 29 appearances across all competitions as Leeds retained their Premier League status and reached the FA Cup semi-finals.

Now, the Gnonto Leeds story has temporarily moved to Italy.

The transfer also shows why deadline-day business can sometimes become complicated. Leeds needed to make sure their own squad was in the right position before giving the final approval for Gnonto to leave. Once Bahoya’s move was secured, the path was finally clear.

This was not a simple deal done transfer that happened without drama. Gnonto was reportedly waiting throughout the day, while Leeds worked on their own late business.

For anyone following Premier League transfer news done deal stories, the situation is a good example of how one transfer can depend on another move being completed first.

Gnonto is now focused on Fiorentina, and his start has already provided encouragement. His goal against Pisa came soon after his arrival and gave him an early chance to show what he can bring to the Italian side. Italian reports have also highlighted the energy he has brought into the Fiorentina dressing room.

That will be important because Fiorentina are looking for a stronger campaign after finishing 15th in Serie A last season. Leeds confirmed that the Italian club had appointed Fabio Grosso before the campaign, while Paolo Vanoli is now in charge following the managerial change.

Gnonto has also spoken about the importance of this opportunity. He said returning to Italy with Fiorentina was something he could not turn down, while also explaining that his time abroad had helped him develop as both a player and a person.

The next challenge is now simple for the United player: make the most of his opportunity in Serie A.

After waiting so long for the transfer to be completed, Gnonto finally has the move he wanted. His emotional reaction when the Leeds green light arrived shows how important the switch was to him, and his early goal has already given him something to build on.

For Leeds United fans, meanwhile, there will be plenty of interest in seeing how the 22-year-old performs back in Italy and whether his Fiorentina spell can help him take another important step in his career.