Farke ‘happy and pleased’ with Josuha Guilavogui signing

After explaining his desire to sign a free agent to help with the injury crisis at the club, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke finally got his man after the club confirmed the signing of Josuha Guilavogui on Wednesday.

Guilavogui has top-flight experience in France, Spain and Germany where he represented Saint-Étienne, Atlético Madrid, VfL Wolfsburg, Bordeaux and Mainz 05.

The 34-year-old also has seven caps for France and is expected to provide much-needed cover for Leeds as a defensive midfielder and centre-back.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Leeds United’s trip away to play Bristol City, Farke said:

“We are all pretty happy and pleased that it was possible to bring him in. I spoke about the profile I wanted with the new signing in October, it’s always a little bit complicated, but Josh brings quality in the positions that we need him,

“He also adds experience to our side, we can definitely use this experience in the dressing room. He also understands his role and was convinced of taking this role, more as an emergency backup.

“We also spoke openly and honestly about what we want to see from him. He should be a mentor for the younger players and also help to develop them whilst giving us cover,” Farke said.

Farke also said Guilavogui is eligible to feature in Saturday's game and has been working on his fitness levels to get up to speed should he be called upon.

Ramazani injury blow

Unfortunately for Leeds, Largie Ramazani has been ruled out for “four to six weeks” after suffering an ankle injury in the game against Watford on Tuesday.

Speaking on Ramazani’s injury, Farke said:

“He twisted in the last game, and we’ve assessed him, sadly it’s a serious ligament injury, he doesn’t need surgery, but he will be out for four to six weeks. So best-case scenario at the end of November he will be back but it could also last until December, it depends on how the rehab works.”

As a result, Leeds will likely call upon the returning Daniel James or Manor Solomon to replace Ramazani for Saturday’s fixture.

“Thank God we’ve got Daniel James back and also Manor Solomon, obviously they were both out for a few weeks, it will be a while until they are back and 100% but it’s good to have them as cover and options,” Farke said.