FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 5: Wilfred Genonto of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Torino at the Stadio Franchi on September 5, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Wilfried Genonto admits he “missed Italy” while playing for Leeds United and jumped at the chance to join Fiorentina. “I needed something different because last season was not promising.”
The striker was a product of Inter Milan’s youth academy, but with limited options for regular playing time, he was sold to FC Zurich in 2020 before moving to Leeds United in 2022.
Although he earned caps for Italy at the time, his international career was stalled when Leeds were relegated, which was one of the reasons why he moved to Fiorentina on deadline day.
It is reported to be a €1 million loan with an option to purchase further for €15 million at the end of the season.
After Leeds, Genonto wants Florence
“This is really my first senior club experience in Italy and I’m delighted to be joining a club like Fiorentina so I hope to repay the trust they have shown in me.” Gnonto said at a press conference today.
“I am grateful to Roberto Mancini for giving me the opportunity to play in Italy. Now I am focused on doing my best for Fiorentina and sending more signals to the Italian team staff.
“I was born and raised in Italy, so of course I miss it. I’m in no rush to return, but if a club like Fiorentina comes calling, it’s different. As an Italian, I know what it means and it’s a big responsibility.
“I left Italy when I was 16, so I learned a lot in Switzerland and England, both as a player and as a man, and now I want to use that experience in Italy.”
Leeds were unwilling to let Genonto leave without a replacement, so this was a very late transfer of the summer.
“I really hope this goes well because I need something different because last season was not very positive. I also think that for national team duties, playing in Italy is the best solution.
“Leeds are young, but that’s a secret because we all started this adventure together. Another decisive factor is the fans, because in Leeds everyone supports Manchester United, just like in Fiorentina everyone supports Fiorentina.”
The transition was far from smooth, as shortly after his arrival Fiorentina fired head coach Fabio Grosso and brought back Paolo Vanoli.
“I don’t know him, but he said we have to start from scratch and forget everything that happened before. We start from the basics and defend as a team and that will make a difference because we already have good players,” Genonto noted.
“I haven’t set any specific goals for myself, I’m now focused on improving my fitness and playing as many games as possible. Admittedly, I did make a bet with Cher Ndour on which of us would score more goals and I don’t think I could lose…”