"Really important" - Leeds United praised over Josuha Guilavogui situation | OneFootball

FLW's Leeds United fan pundit is keen for the cub to bring the versatile Josuha Guilavogui on a free transfer.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Versatile defensive midfielder or centre-back Josuha Guilavogui is a player being considered by Daniel Farke and Leeds United as they aim to source cover following Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev's injuries.

A number of names are reportedly being assessed by Leeds, including former Nottingham Forest man Cheikhou Kouyate, although no deal materialised for the defensive midfielder after initial reports. Others that have been linked include the likes of Francis Coquelin and Christoph Kramer, who have recently been outlined as potential targets.

The latest name emerged following the 2-0 victory over Sheffield United, with Leeds Live reporting on interest in ex-Wolfsburg and Mainz man Guilavogui. Following Friday's fixture at Elland Road, Guilavogui was pictured on X with a Leeds supporter, and club sources have reportedly indicated he is among the free agents being considered.

While there has been no confirmation from the club on the matter, his attendance is a strong indication that the 34-year-old is under consideration at the very least. The latest comes via TEAMtalk, who are reporting that Farke has given the green light for the club to sign the player following his appearance at Elland Road.

With Ampadu out until close to January, and Gruev possibly not back with the first-team until closer to March, Leeds may feel the need to add a player to the squad from the free agent market. Leeds' chief then hinted that there could be developments soon, and that Leeds will make a final decision on any free agent(s) before the end of next week during his pre-Watford press conference.

The Leeds verdict on Josuha Guilavogui

We asked FLW’s Leeds United fan pundit Kris Smith for his thoughts on the defensive midfielder, who is pleased that Leeds are eyeing moves for midfielders who can also operate at centre-back, and Guilavogui is the latest to tick both boxes as a free agent.

He said: "If Guilavogui is the man that Leeds are close to signing or set on signing, then it's a move I would be happy with.

"Given the circumstances of why we need a free agent, and at this stage, you're not going to be able to sign a defensive midfielder that is on the same level as Ethan Ampadu - in both ability and fitness, obviously he is injured, but in terms of his general level.

"In October, that is just not possible. The free agents that are good enough or better than that, just aren't available.

"Having someone like Guilavgoui is ideal for us in terms of his skill-set and experience level. He might not be fully fit for us right now, or even for a few weeks, but the experience that he would bring to the dressing room for the time being would be a great boost for us.

"And, actually, quite important in a higher pressure position like this promotion race. Given previous attempts to sign Kouyate as well, I think the profile that Leeds are looking for is obvious.

"A towering midfielder who can drop into centre-half is a really important profile. I think the club are going the right way about signing someone to cover these injuries.

"Guilavogui, in this instance, fits quite well for us."

Guilavogui linked with Leeds switch

As Kris alludes to, Guilavogui ticks plenty of boxes for what Farke requires from a free agent arrival, with experience playing in defensive midfield and at centre-back. His versatility means he can provide much-needed cover for Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon, with the latter on four yellow cards and just one away from a suspension over the next ten games.

Not only that, but Max Wöber faces a few more weeks on the sidelines, which leaves their defensive options thin in terms of numbers, whilst the midfield problems are obvious given no first-team player is there to cover Tanaka and Rothwell in depth terms.

At the moment, there’s not a single Leeds fan that would suggest changing that duo, but they can’t be expected to play every minute until January. They dominated a strong Sheffield United outfit, but behind them, there is only young Charlie Crew to call upon at the present time.

A move for a player like Guilavogui is the most logical in the short-term, given his versatility and ability to slot into two problem areas. Leeds require a player who can do both comfortably, given Tanaka and Rothwell are not as defensive-minded as a player like him, either.