After sealing his move to Leeds United, Josuha Guilavogui has explained the brilliant reaction he received from family and friends after first telling them of the deal.
Guilavogui finally ended Leeds’ three-week long search for a free agent midfielder by putting pen-to-paper on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
The 34-year-old is set to come in and provide cover at both centre-back and in central midfield, with Daniel Farke having told him how key he will be off the pitch.
That appears to be a role Guilavogui will thrive in, after sharing in his first interview as a Leeds player how much he enjoys helping the youngsters live up to their potential.
It has been almost seven months since Guilavogui last played a 90 minute game of football, but with Leeds keen for him to be in the squad at Bristol City, they clearly feel he can make an immediate impact.
Guilavogui shares how his family reacted to Leeds move
Guilavogui has played for some big clubs across Europe and internationally for France over the course of his career, but is clearly absolutely delighted to be here.
Having rejected offers from other clubs since his release from Mainz in the summer, Guilavogui feels Leeds was an opportunity simply too good to turn down.
This will be the first time he has ever played in England, but during his first interview with the club, spoke of how well known Leeds are in France.
As such, both his family and friends were completely blown away when he first told them about the interest from Leeds.
He said: “When I spoke with my family and friends, when I said Leeds, they said, ‘wow! Leeds United?’ You know Leeds is very famous in France, Olivier Dacourt played there, as well Marcelo Bielsa was there.
“Very good trainer, he trained one of the biggest clubs in France. We always follow Leeds in France and to be part of this amazing club is really something I am really thankful for.”
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Where Guilavogui will fit at Leeds
Guilavogui will immediately become Leeds’ oldest player in the squad and so it is clear Farke is happy to bring in some more experience.
Not only will he be important off the pitch, but he certainly has a part to play on it, too. Joe Rodon is one booking away from a suspension, and with Max Wober still out, Guilavogui can cover at centre-back.
Until Ethan Ampadu returns, Guilavogui is Leeds’ only out-and-out holding midfielder, and so in games where Farke’s side don’t see as much of the ball, he may be needed to start.
If one of Joe Rothwell or Ao Tanaka pick up an injury, then he will also be the first in line to come into the side.
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