The Leeds United midfielder is already thinking about his next steps after his time at Elland Road.
Leeds United hasn’t slowed down its transfer activity since the summer window closed, opting to strengthen its squad well ahead of the January window. After an eventful summer aimed at bouncing back from their promotion miss, Leeds turned to free agents and signed Josuha Guilavogui to add experience to their ranks.
This month, Leeds officially welcomed Guilavogui, who had been available on a free transfer after his departure from Mainz 05 last season. His arrival aligns with Daniel Farke’s objective to secure an automatic promotion spot this season. Currently, Leeds sits in third place on 23 points, with only a goal difference separating them from Burnley.
At 34, Guilavogui is in the latter stage of his playing career. With an impressive record of 265 games for VfL Wolfsburg and 120 appearances for Saint-Étienne, he brings a wealth of experience to Leeds and a valuable opportunity to contribute to the club’s promotion ambitions. This marks his first stint in English football, making a Premier League promotion all the more significant for him as he aims to finish his career on a high note.
Looking to the future, Guilavogui has already started envisioning his life beyond playing. In a recent interview with RMC (via Girondins 4 Ever), he expressed a strong desire to stay close to the game. “I know I want to remain on the field,” he said. “There are other possibilities, like being an agent or a sporting director, but my real passion is still in coaching and development.”
He went on to explain his interest in working with young players and supporting their growth, saying, “I could see myself mentoring young players or joining a professional coaching staff. Helping reserve players prepare for the senior level is something I’d enjoy. Right now, I’m working on my UEFA CTP certification, and I have quite a few opportunities open.”
With his contract at Leeds set to expire at the end of the season, Guilavogui may be considering retirement next summer. Helping Leeds achieve promotion would be an ideal conclusion to his career, and his recent remarks reflect his determination to make an impact with the team.
“I had some offers, but none felt quite right,” Guilavogui shared with the Leeds website. “When my agent told me Daniel was interested and had been following my progress, I knew this was the right move. Sometimes, certain opportunities just feel right, and I’m really thrilled to be here.”
