Leeds United ‘expected’ to reportedly release midfielder this summer

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Following their Championship promotion, Leeds United are preparing for the Premier League and evaluating their squad, with departures on the horizon.

The player in question’s contract expires at the end of the month and the Yorkshire side are not looking to keep hold, according to Teamtalk.

The Whites won the Championship title after beating Plymouth Argyle in the final minutes of the season. 

Goals from Wilfried Gnonto and Manor Solomon helped them steal the top spot from Burnley who led against Millwall. 

With their fate for next season sealed, the focus now turns to which players will stay and which will leave Elland Road, as Leeds United reportedly track a £8.3m star who was also a target for Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers last summer.

Leeds United looking to release Josuha Guilavogui

Leeds United signed Joshua Guilavogui in October 2024 on a short-term contract until the end of the season. 

Despite his vast experience, with him demonstrating to be a positive influence in the dressing room, his game time would probably be hard to come by in the top flight. 

Guilavogui has played just under 450 games in his career to date. He has also made seven caps for the France national team.

The Frenchman has had spells in the past with the likes of AS Saint-Étienne, Atletico Madrid, Wolfsburg, Bordeaux and Mainz.

His release would free up space and funds in Leeds’ ranks to pave the way for new faces. It remains to be seen whether Paris FC will reignite their winter interest following their recent promotion to Ligue 1.

The Whites need to ensure that they get their recruitment right over the coming months. They have the chance to land some reinforcements when the next transfer window opens for business.

Three more players Leeds United need to cut ties with

With Josuha Guilavogui’s time at Leeds likely over, it’s worth looking at which other players the club could send packing.

Firstly, there’s Sam Byram who’s contract expires this summer despite providing some concrete coverage defensively for Leeds.

It’s feasible the club could opt to not offer him a fresh deal, potentially due to him turning 32-years-old in September, they may want a younger option. Despite this, he has been an exceptional free transfer over the past two years. 

Eintracht Frankfurt seem keen to keep Rasmus Kristensen who is currently on loan, with Leeds equally as keen to sell him. £12m is thought to be the asking price and reports suggest the price could be slashed by around half.

With Karl Darlow taking Illan Meslier’s place in early April and stepping up to keep his place until the end of the season, Meslier could be leaving Elland Road given the number of high-profile errors Meslier has made.

While an exit is not guaranteed, with the Frenchman entering the final 12 months of his contract this summer presenting an opportune moment to cash in, Leeds United may have already identified their replacement for Illan Meslier in an ‘excellent’ star.