Leeds United have struggled this season, with Jesse Marsch having struggled to make his philosophy bear fruit in time for them to avoid another battle for survival.
As such, his former team sit marooned hopelessly around the relegation zone with new manager Javi Gracia having been left to pick up the pieces.
The Spaniard has inherited a squad devoid of confidence and sorely lacking any cutting edge in the final third, with the Whites having scored just once in their last four matches in all competitions.
This downturn in goalscoring form has coincided with a recent drop-off in Wilfried Gnonto’s performances.
Having joined in the summer, the young Italian quickly captured the imagination for his dynamism and quick feet which often left full-backs floundering. Despite scoring just once in his last seven league games, his acquisition cannot be viewed as anything other than a roaring success thus far.
Survival could depend on his potential resurgence, however.
How much is Wilfried Gnonto worth?
The 19-year-old was signed for just £4m on deadline day, despite FC Zurich having reportedly demanded £17m earlier in the window. This alone outlines just how much of a coup this deal was, but given how his value has only risen serves to further exacerbate this.
FootballTransfers note that the apex of his expected Transfer Value sits at €20.4m (£18m), suggesting that in just six months that value has risen by an astronomical 350%.
This is in no small part to his 1.2 key passes and 1.1 successful dribbles per game, via Sofascore, which outlines him as a constant creative threat for the opposition.
It even led former Hibernian striker Tam McManus to praise him, with his display in their win over AFC Bournemouth impressing in particular.
The Scotsman claimed:
“He came on and he just looks like a little pocket rocket. He looks like he has a real low centre of gravity and he looks absolutely tremendous.”
He continued by praising the club’s youth recruitment as a whole:
“Leeds have so many talented young players now, they’re great to watch. This Gnonto just seems like the latest one and I can’t wait to see what he does next.”
Whilst Marsch’s tenure will likely not be remembered with overwhelming fondness, his work in signing Gnonto will remain one of the shining lights of his one-year reign at Elland Road.