Leeds United have pulled off a surprise move by signing veteran midfielder Josuha Guilavogui on a free transfer, with the former France international penning a deal until the end of the season.
The 34-year-old had been a free agent since leaving Mainz in July, but he now finds himself at Elland Road, ready to contribute to Leeds’ push for promotion from the Championship, Goal.
Guilavogui’s experience is undeniable. He earned seven caps for the French national team, although his last appearance came back in 2015 in a friendly against Denmark.
His most memorable stint was at Wolfsburg, where he became a stalwart in the Bundesliga, amassing 265 appearances over several seasons. His time at Mainz, though more limited, saw him make just 12 appearances before parting ways with the German club earlier this year.
Despite his wealth of experience in top European leagues, this marks Guilavogui’s first adventure in English football, something he is eagerly anticipating.
✍️ #LUFC is pleased to confirm the signing of Josuha Guilavogui on a contract until the end of the 2024/25 season
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 23, 2024
In his first interview with the club, Guilavogui expressed his enthusiasm about the new chapter in his career. “I have never played in England before, and as a football player, I believe this will be a truly amazing experience,” he said.
“To join a historic club like Leeds United is a wonderful opportunity for me. I am looking forward to training with my new teammates, helping the team on the pitch, and contributing off it as well. My aim is to help the club achieve its goals.”
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The veteran midfielder revealed that while he had other options, Leeds was the clear choice once head coach Daniel Farke expressed interest.
“I had some offers, but none of them gave me that feeling of ‘let’s do it.’ But when my agent told me that Daniel Farke was interested and had been keeping an eye on me, I knew Leeds was the right fit. Sometimes in life, opportunities come along that you can’t miss, and this was one of them. I’m really happy to be here,” Guilavogui said.
Beyond his on-field presence, Guilavogui is also expected to bring significant leadership qualities to the Leeds squad, something the player is already embracing. With key players in the squad currently sidelined through injury, his influence and experience will be invaluable, particularly for the younger members of the team.
“When I spoke with the manager, he understood what I can bring to the team, both on the pitch and off it,” he explained. “There are injured players at the moment, and I’m here to help them. When they return, I’ll also be focusing on helping the younger players develop. That’s part of why I’ve often been named captain throughout my career – I always think about how I can make my teammates better, how I can improve the squad as a whole.”
Guilavogui’s ambition is crystal clear – helping Leeds return to the Premier League. The Yorkshire club currently sits second in the Championship, making their promotion ambitions more than just a dream. “I’m here to help the team, and I really hope we can make it back to the Premier League,” he said.
His wealth of experience, leadership skills, and midfield prowess could prove crucial in the club’s journey. Leeds face Bristol City in their upcoming fixture, and with Guilavogui fit and raring to go, fans could see their new signing make his debut as early as this weekend.
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For Leeds United, securing the services of a player like Josuha Guilavogui is a significant boost as they look to push for promotion back to the top flight. The combination of his international experience, Bundesliga pedigree, and hunger to succeed in English football could make him a key player in Leeds’ campaign. Fans will undoubtedly be excited to see what Guilavogui can bring to the table in the months ahead.
As Leeds gears up for the remainder of the season, their new signing will undoubtedly be aiming to make an immediate impact, with promotion to the Premier League the ultimate goal.