Managing Leeds United - Gnonto booted to Saudi as 'world class' star forces starting spot

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Leeds United are set to resume their Premier League campaign in a comfortable 15th place after the international break.

The Whites have been turning heads since their promotion back to the top tier. Victories over Everton and Wolves , as well as draws against Newcastle United and Bournemouth , allowed supporters to breathe easy during the two-week break.

They're just three points away from seventh place, with promising away games against Burnley , Brighton and Nottingham Forest on the horizon in the coming weeks. However, manager Daniel Farke may have some crucial choices to make as he strives to keep Leeds afloat.

Here, we have taken a seat in the Elland Road hotseat to dissect the decisions we would make regarding the club's most pressing matters...

A Saudi Pro League duo are rumoured to be considering a move for winger Willy Gnonto in January - an opportunity Leeds should seize. Rumours are rife that Neom SC and Al-Ittihad might challenge the club's determination in the new year by putting forward a bid for the 21-year-old, which could result in a significant financial windfall.

Following a lacklustre summer in the transfer market, managing director Robbie Evans stated the club had "maxed out" on what they could spend under the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations.

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Selling Gnonto could spark a transfer explosion for the Whites. Whilst he remains amongst the squad's most creative talents and represents one of their few right-wing options, allowing the Italian's departure might generate vital revenue to reinvest in squad restructuring.

The winger remains tied to Elland Road until 2028 following his contract extension during summer 2024. This positioning enables Leeds to demand the maximum possible transfer fee for one of their prized possessions.

Farke has gained notoriety for his stubborn approach to team selection, fielding identical lineups across their previous four Premier League fixtures. With just one victory, one stalemate and two defeats recorded, it could be argued that tactical alterations are desperately required.

Fortunately, Leeds possesses a quality performer lurking on the sidelines who has been described as " world class" in every aspect of his game - Jack Harrison. The former Manchester City ace officially became a Leeds player in 2021, following impressive loan stints that dated back to 2018.

Following last season's campaign at Everton, the 28-year-old returned to Elland Road after the club achieved top-flight promotion. However, he has been restricted to substitute appearances since his homecoming and chose to jet off to Marbella during the international window to work on his fitness.

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Former MLS coach Ethan Sonis has been mentoring the experienced winger throughout his break from domestic action and insists the player is "working extremely hard" to reclaim his place in the starting XI. Sonis said: "I want people to really know the true side of Jack. I know his history with Leeds in the past. He's working extremely hard for the group and I don't see other players at Leeds as prepared as him.

"He's world-class when it comes to putting in the work, staying sharp. After that, it's about performance on the field when it really counts. The guy is more dedicated, I think, than 80% of those guys at Leeds.

"He wants Leeds to stay in the Premier League, he wants to help in any way he can. The situation of him being on the bench is fine but he's as sharp and as ready to go as a starter, if not better, in my opinion."

Choices are presently restricted, with Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson among the usual first-team picks. Harrison's efforts away from the club could well see him battle his way back into the starting line-up, particularly if Sonis is correct about his dedication to the mission at Elland Road.

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