Earlier today, it was announced that 34-year old French international Josuha Guilavogui has signed for Leeds United as a free agent.
The former Wolfsburg holding midfielder will bring a wealth of experience to Elland Road, having racked up over 200 Bundesliga appearances for Die Wölfe. However, having made only 11 appearances for previous club Mainz in the last year, it is debatable as to whether Guilavogui will be able to nail down a starting spot in a high-flying Leeds side who are setting their sights on honouring their status as the biggest draw amongst the current Championship title favourites.
Limited movement for already-favoured Leeds' promotion odds
There has been limited movement in terms of bookies’ estimations on Leeds’ promotion hopes in light of the signing though, with most bookmakers retaining their odds of 2/9. This still marks Leeds as favourites for automatic promotion, however, as they seem much more likely than current second favourites Sunderland, with the Black Cats’ odds standing at 17/10.
With recent injuries to Ethan Ampabu and Ilia Gruev keeping them out for 4 and 2 months respectively, Leeds’ holding midfield options have suddenly become sparse, with the West Yorkshire outfit most recently relying on a partnership of Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell to tighten the midfield and secure a narrow 2-1 victory at home to Watford. Thus, Guilavogui may see his chance come in Leeds’ next fixture away to Bristol City on 26th October.
Key Josuha Guilavogui stats
In his most recent full season for Wolfsburg in 22/23, Guilavogui registered 23 league appearances, with a successful tackles percentage of 61.1% and a 48.3% duel success rate. However, he committed merely 29 fouls, receiving 4 yellow cards. This demonstrates that although Guilavogui may have lost a touch of his pace in recent years, he is a sensible and competent player who will not be caught out with silly errors. This is further shown by his retention of 84.6% pass accuracy and averaging 75 touches per 90.
Hopefully for Leeds, Guilavogui can bring a high calibre of experience to a midfield rocked by injury. For what he now lacks in speed at 34 years old, he evidently makes up for in composure and physicality. In a league as robust as the Championship, a smart tackling and intelligent player with a wealth of experience should cover Leeds’ current issues. The team currently sit second with 22 points, only behind Sunderland on goal difference, and will be hoping that Guilavogui’s capabilities will shore up a midfield depleted by injuries.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
In December 2020 we sadly 
