Leeds United bolstered their midfield this week with the signing of Josuha Guilavogui as they add a veteran with a wealth of experience for the rest of the 2024-25 season.
Guilavogui will serve as backup to Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell, stepping in when they need rest, face suspension, or in the unfortunate event of an injury. Leeds United looked to the free agent market following injuries to key players Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.
Both players are key to Daniel Farke’s plans, and their extended absence has been a real challenge for him. Guilavogui has been at Thorp Arch recently, focusing on his fitness and finalizing his signing, which will be his first experience playing in England.
The veteran completed his deal on Wednesday and was awaiting EFL clearance, but he’s now officially a Leeds United player. He joins on a free transfer with a contract reportedly worth around £1 million and a weekly salary of £20,000, signing through the end of the 2024-25 season.
Josuha Guilavogui receives a warm welcome to England
Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix has welcomed Guilavogui to England, with the two having previously played together at Wolfsburg.
On Wednesday, the Palace defender posted an Instagram story featuring a picture of Guilavogui in Leeds United colors, along with the caption: “Bienvenue et bon courage grand frère,” which translates to “Welcome and good luck, big brother.”
Guilavogui spent last season with Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga, and after his contract expired, he became a free agent. Nonetheless, now this move to Leeds United will mark a new chapter in his career.
“I have never played in England and I think as a football player this is a really amazing experience, and for playing for Leeds, a historic club, this is a wonderful opportunity for me,” Guilavogui told LUTV.
“I am looking forward to training with the team, to help the team on the pitch, outside the pitch as well and hopefully that we set our goals. I had some offers, but nothing that I would say, okay, let’s do it. And when my agent called me and said that Daniel has interest to sign me and watched over me, I said, yeah, let’s go straight, straight to Leeds.”