Leeds United announced their retained list on Saturday and the headline departure from Elland Road is veteran midfielder Josuha Guilavogui, who leaves the club after less than a year.
Signed towards the end of October by Leeds as a free agent after both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev had picked up knee injuries, 34-year-old Guilavogui provided cover and experience from the Leeds sidelines.
Boasting a CV that includes Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid and most-recently Mainz – where he worked with Leeds manager target Bo Henriksen – Guilavogui made 16 Championship appearances, all off the bench.
Seven-time France international Guilavogui actually broke Vinnie Jones’ record of going unbeaten in his first 15 league games for Leeds, even if he didn’t actually start any of them. Now, Guilavogui is leaving.
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How the Leeds squad react to Guilavogui’s summer departure
When he joined, Guilavogui told Leeds fans he would be there to help the team off the pitch just as much as on it. Immediately, fans knew they had a man with a good attitude, almost acting as a player-coach.
Guilavogui was always expected to leave Leeds when his contract ended. Beren Cross reported that he was “almost certainly” making his last home appearance, when he came on in the win against Bristol City.
But clearly, his short time at Leeds has been one the players have enjoyed and they are sad to see him go. Here is how the likes of Willy Gnonto, Junior Firpo and the rest of the Leeds squad reacted to his exit.
Largie Ramazani: “My legend”.
Mateo Joseph: “Thank you for everything big brother. Wish you and your family all the best in life.”
Joel Piroe: “I will miss your speeches the most, old father. Joined as a legend, left as a champ.”
Isaac Schmidt: “Big brother [with some emojis].”
Manor Solomon: “What a man, all the best legend.”
Junior Firpo: “Josh I will miss you. In Spain we call people like you ‘persona de luz [person of light].’ This is what you mean to me. God bless you and your family. Love you boss.”
Pascal Struijk: “Ton ton, gonna miss you. All the best for what the future holds.”
Willy Gnonto: “Thank you for everything you have done for me and for us. I will miss you.”
Alex Cairns: “Great human being. I will miss your contagious smile.”
Illan Meslier: “Thank you for everything my Ton Ton, amazing player and an exceptional person.”
Brenden Aaronson: “Gonna miss my man. All the best.”
What else Leeds United announced on Saturday’s retained list
Guilavogui is one of three Leeds players that will see their contracts expire on June 30. But for Firpo and Sam Byram, Leeds announced they remain in talks with the possibility of the duo putting pen to paper.
The report also said that Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon would return to their parent clubs, though a permanent move is expected for Solomon. Four deals have been offered to some Under-21 players.
James Debayo is the headline of the quartet, having made his senior debut this season. Alongside him, Rory Mahady, Coban Bird and Harvey Vincent have been given new terms by Daniel Farke and Leeds.
But Leeds also confirmed that 10 youngsters would be departing at the end of their deals including Luca Thomas despite an impressive season in front of goal, and Ireland youth international Cian Coleman.
