Leeds United serious about promotion after Josuha Guilavogui transfer news
Leeds United were better off signing Josuha Guilavogui to prevent the need for blooding too many youngsters, according to David Norris.
The former Whites midfielder cites the small squad at Daniel Farke’s disposal as a reason too many inexperienced players may have had to be drafted in if injuries and suspensions had become any worse.
Seven-cap France midfielder Guilavogui was an unused substitute in Saturday’s draw at Bristol City [26 October], signing after former West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate had failed a medical at Elland Road.
Ex-Whites midfielder Norris thinks the signing of Guilavogui, necessitated by injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, shows they are serious about promotion.
“It’s good they’ve managed to get an experienced player over the line, because Leeds are expected to be promoted,” Norris exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“That’s a big challenge to put on kids, so if you’re bleeding youngsters into the squad, you have to limit it to one or two – too many could prove costly.
“To be serious about promotion, they had to go down the proven quality route and it’s good they kept their minds open with options.”
Leeds United had threadbare midfield
The attacking areas are the only outfield positions where Farke has had any breathing space – to the point the likes of Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt are right on the periphery.
In midfield, Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka were between them holding the bridge in place between the treatment table and the Under-21 side for players in their position at Elland Road.
This was until the club agreed an out-of-window deal for 34-year-old Guilavogui, who had last represented Mainz in the Bundesliga.
Kouyate’s failed medical was an inconvenience but not disastrous for Leeds, who were taking a measured approach rather than going all-in for one target. Francis Coquelin, formerly of Arsenal, is another without a club who was monitored.
Charlie Crew, 18, made his international debut for Wales in June and has been a mainstay on Farke’s bench, but has not yet made his senior Leeds bow despite his status as next in line behind the elder midfielders.
In other Leeds news, Norris comes out in support of Joel Piroe.
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