Leeds United will be busy planning for the summer regardless of whether they are in the Premier League or the Championship, and have seemingly identified a replacement for Josuha Guilavogui.
Leeds currently have three players out of contract come the end of the season, while two others on loan that as things stand, will return to their parent clubs. Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon remain on loan.
Sam Byram, Junior Firpo and Josuha Guilavogui will see their contracts expire if Leeds do not take action beforehand. Firpo scored his third goal in four games and there is obvious clamour for him to stay put.
Byram could also remain, providing Leeds with a homegrown talent that is happy to provide cover if the likes of Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo are out. But Guilavogui is expected to leave Leeds this summer.
Photo by KURT DESPLENTER/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by KURT DESPLENTER/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Leeds identify another French star to replace Josuha Guilavogui
Guilavogui only joined to provide cover for Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. Ampadu should be fit again after the international break, with Daniel Farke predicting Ampadu could play the last five or six games.
With new signings likely in the summer, Guilavogui is unlikely to stay put and sign a new deal. One of those new signings could be Abdoulaye Sissako, currently playing for Kortrijk in Belgian’s top division.
He’s starred for the Belgian side since his move from Habib Habibou’s old side Zulte Waregem in the summer of 2023, and his form this time around is attacting interest from Leeds according to Africa Foot.
Photo by Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images
Leeds face Champions League competition for Sissako’s signature
As aforementioned, Leeds are not the only side interested in nabbing Sissako. The 6ft 1in midfielder – who has operated at centre-back too this season, like Guilavogui – is also a target for Club Brugge.
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The Belgian giants were knocked out by Aston Villa in the Champions League earlier this week but their scouting department have also looked at Sissako. French side Le Havre are also interested in a deal.
Whether Leeds are interested come the summer and other players become available if promoted does remain to be seen. Indeed, Leeds have already been linked with a return for £20m-rated Kalvin Phillips.