In Leeds United’s quest for promotion from the Championship this season, it’s pivotal that all the attackers live up to expectations to hand Daniel Farke the best chance of claiming a third league title of his career.
Joel Piroe has been the star man at the top end of the pitch at Elland Road, cementing his place as a regular starter, subsequently notching 15 goals in 35 matches – the most of any player in the division to date.
Manor Solomon is another player who’s thrived with consistent minutes in Yorkshire, registering 14 combined goals and assists in 2024/25 and staking his claim for a permanent move after his temporary stint.
Daniel James is the third first-team star who’s set the division alight in England’s second tier in recent months, achieving a total of 19 goal contributions, just a couple off his tally of last campaign.
However, one other has also impressed but has struggled for regular starts amid the form of other talents, restricting him to minutes off the substitutes bench.
Wilfried Gnonto’s stats for Leeds in 2024/25
After failing to secure promotion last season, many expected winger Wilfried Gnonto to depart Leeds for a Premier League side – following the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter out the door.
However, the Italian stayed put in Yorkshire but has since struggled for starts in 2024/25, starting just 20 matches and having to settle for a place on the bench.
The 21-year-old attacker has registered five goals and five assists to date, still producing an impressive record despite his lack of starting recent weeks.
Solomon and James’s recent form in the Championship has restricted him to just 35 minutes of league action in the last six weeks, with his only goal in 2025 coming in the 7-0 thrashing of Cardiff City.
He’s also been outperformed by another former Whites talent, with the club’s decision to offload him now looking to be a regret, considering his form and tender age.
The former Leeds gem who’s outperforming Gnonto
After dropping into the second tier, numerous players have moved to and from Yorkshire, something to be expected as they look to bounce back to the Premier League.
One player who left on loan in the summer was attacker Sonny Perkins, who linked up with Leyton Orient, looking to gain valuable first-team minutes to continue his progression.
The 21-year-old joined the Whites from West Ham United back in 2022 but would make just four senior appearances – leading to Rene Maric dubbing him “super talented” before being sent on loan to Oxford United for the second half of last season.
Perkins has since starred in England’s third tier since his temporary move, becoming a key player in Richie Wellens’ hopes of securing a play-off place.
Previously described as a “goal machine” by former boss Michael Skubala, his move to London is finally seeing him live up to that potential. Indeed, this campaign has seen him register 12 combined goals and assists, leading to a permanent move to the O’s in January, ending his time at Leeds.
The form of the current first team members has massively restricted his playing time at Elland Road, leading to his move away – which could prove to be a mistake down the line.
|
Sonny Perkins’ stats for Leyton Orient in 2024/25 |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
38 |
|
Goals & assists |
12 |
|
Pass accuracy |
75% |
|
Dribble success |
48% |
|
Chances created |
1.1 |
|
Duels won |
5.9 |
|
Possession won in final third |
0.8 |
|
Stats via FotMob |
|
Whilst he’s featuring in a division below Gnonto, he’s still managed to register more combined goals and assists, showcasing the talent he possesses and having the platform to improve further, given his youthful years.
Given his tender age and recent form this campaign, he could develop into a quality talent, with the Whites potentially ruing their decision to permanently offload the youngster.
There’s no denying that he would once again struggle to make an impact during 2024/25, but given how he’s bettered Gnonto in recent times, he could well continue his development and show the club what they’re missing out on.
Related
£30m star failed big time at Leeds, now he’s outscoring Summerville
Leeds United have been the home to numerous stars, including one player who’s now outscoring Crysencio Summerville.
