Leeds complete shock signing of ex-Atletico Madrid & France international midfielder

Leeds have announced the signing of Guilavogui on a shock free transfer, with the former France international signing a contract until the end of the season. The 34-year-old left Mainz in July but has now found a home at Elland Road.

Guilavogui has seven France caps to his name but has not played for his country since a friendly with Denmark in 2015. He is perhaps best known for his time at Wolfsburg, where he made 265 appearances. At Mainz, he played just 12 times.

Guilavogui said: “I have never played in England and I think as a football player this is a really amazing experience and for playing for Leeds, a historic club, this is a wonderful opportunity for me. I am looking forward to training with the team, to help the team on the pitch, outside the pitch as well and hopefully that we set our goals.

“I had some offers, but nothing that I would say, okay, let’s do it. And when my agent called me and said that Daniel has interest to sign me and watched over me, I said, yeah, let’s go straight, straight to Leeds. Sometimes in life you have some opportunities and you don’t want to miss it. I am really happy to be here.

“When I spoke with our manager, he knows what I can bring on the pitch and also outside the pitch, because we don’t forget that we have injured players and I am there to help them. And when they will recover, I will also help the young players.

“That is why I was captain, like everywhere where I played, because I am someone that is always thinking about how can I make my teammates better, how can I improve. I am here for helping the team and I really hope that we will go to the Premier League.”

Leeds play Bristol City on Saturday and Guilavogui could potentially make his debut on Saturday. The club are currently second in the Championship.