Rarely seen Leeds United player could leave Elland Road as new interest emerges | OneFootball

Josuha Guilavogui could leave Leeds United to return to France this month, with Paris FC said to be interested in his services.

Leeds United only signed Josuha Guilavogui in October, but the 34-year-old could be set to depart the club in January and return to his native France in a move to Paris FC.

He has made 10 appearances in all competitions since his arrival to Leeds, with just one start coming in the League Cup win over Harrogate Town, and a further nine appearances coming from the bench in the league.

However, Jeunes Footeux are now claiming that Paris FC, who are one of six clubs to benefit from Red Bull investment alongside Leeds, are looking at a deal to sign Guilavogui.

The versatile defensive midfielder or centre-back was brought in by Daniel Farke and Leeds as they aimed to source cover following Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev's injuries back in September and October.

It was clear to see why they signed him, given his vast experience. Whilst at Wolfsburg, he made 265 appearances, but was let go by the Bundesliga side in July 2023. He was picked up that summer by German side FSV Mainz 05, for whom he went on to make only 12 appearances last season, including just six starts during that time.

Josuha Guilavogui linked with Leeds United exit

Guilavogui’s career spans 419 appearances in Ligue 1, La Liga, and the Bundesliga among others, with the majority of his career coming in Germany with Wolfsburg. There, he predominantly featured as a defensive midfielder but he has also been utilised deeper.

His leadership and experience could be invaluable for Leeds, even if he is unable to make a meaningful impact on the pitch like he was during his prime years as a footballer. That factor may be what Paris FC are looking into.

Currently sitting in second place and on joint points with first place, they themselves are eyeing promotion this season. With the situation at Leeds now changing, Guilavogui may find any minutes harder to come by, having played just 137 for Leeds thus far.

He was signed as depth and cover, but with Amapdu and Gruev back after injuries, that will likely see Guilavogui drop down the pecking order for Farke. Jeunes Footeux are reporting that Paris FC could be a way out for the 34-year-old.

Not only that, but Guilavogui’s brother, Morgan Guilavogui – who is currently playing with Bundesliga side St. Pauli – came through the ranks at Paris FC, meaning that there is a family connection with the French outfit.

Guilavogui has a lot to offer to Leeds' dressing room

Having allowed Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Crew to depart this week, Leeds need to ensure that they do not leave themselves too thin on the ground in terms of numbers.

Fitness levels were always likely to be the major question mark for Guilavogui, although his performance against Harrogate perhaps showcased why he is yet to start in the league as well.

He was a necessary acquisition at the time, with the injury crisis threatening to undermine their season as they were in the midst of worrying about multiple areas of the squad. Now, that is less apparent, even if there are some useful attributes regarding Guilavogui.

His versatility means he can provide much-needed cover for Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon, whilst the midfield problems were obvious at the time. A move for a player like Guilavogui was the most logical in the short-term, given his versatility and ability to slot into two problem areas.

However, he is evidently a well-liked individual within the dressing room and around the training ground, and the right character with experience could make all the difference during the run-in and the second half of the season when they need players to set standards and keep morale high.