Gnonto was a last-minute signing for Leeds after they missed out on Cody Gakpo and Bamba Dieng on deadline day in the last summer transfer window.

 

Very few expected to Italy winger to make an impact in his first season in the Premier League, but the 19-year-old has been a shining light for Leeds this year.

 

 

He is one of the favourites to win Leeds United’s Player of the Year as well but Orta had his eyes on him long before the Whites signed him.

 

It has been claimed that Leeds’ director of football was alerted to Gnonto more than two years ago.

 

 

He had just joined FC Zurich from Inter in 2020 and former Switzerland international Walter Fernandez referred the player to Orta.

 

Leeds had been tracking him since then and kept close tabs on his performances in Zurich’s first team.

 

 

The Swiss side were asking for around £10m initially but Leeds moved in late on deadline day and got him for half that price.

 

There was interest from Royal Antwerp and some Italian clubs but Leeds had little competition once they agreed a fee.