{"id":198235,"date":"2025-06-19T22:14:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T22:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/198235\/"},"modified":"2025-06-19T22:14:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T22:14:12","slug":"leeds-united-player-says-it-was-a-walking-dream-when-he-first-joined-but-now-hes-set-to-leave-elland-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/198235\/","title":{"rendered":"Leeds United player says\u00a0it was a \u2018walking dream\u2019 when he first joined,\u00a0but now he’s set to leave Elland Road"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Leeds United will wave goodbye to five senior players officially on June 30, due to three Elland Road contracts expiring and loan spells coming to an end.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thomas Frank is set to take a second look at Manor Solomon<\/a>, with the Israeli ace still boasting a long-term deal. Joe Rothwell will also return to Bournemouth and is unlikely to make a permanent switch.<\/p>\n

Then, three players are set to leave with their contracts expiring. Junior Firpo is set to return to Real Betis<\/a>, his boyhood side, after four years at Leeds<\/a>. The club are eyeing Gabriel Gudmundsson as a replacement.<\/p>\n

Sam Byram is expected to depart<\/a> even though Leeds have told Byram that they would like him to stay<\/a> on. It is unclear what Byram wants to do this summer \u2013 but one that will definitely leave is Josuha Guilavogui<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"LeedsPhoto by George Wood\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

The 34-year-old midfielder joined Leeds towards the end of October after injuries to both Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu. He leaves Leeds after making 18 appearances for The Whites, 16 of which were as a sub.<\/p>\n

Guilavogui\u2019s run of form in the league actually broke Vinnie Jones\u2019 record<\/a>. But his contract was only until the end of the season. Leeds have confirmed the seven-time France international will leave on June 30.<\/p>\n

Speaking to French outlet Capte Media<\/a> on Instagram, Guilavogui shared how it was a \u201cdream\u201d to play for Leeds even if the club have chosen not to extend his stay after promotion back to the Premier League<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a walking dream, incredible. I signed at the end of October. To break a record with 7 goals scored at home. To win at the second-placed team after being even. Many great memories,\u201d Guilavogui said.<\/p>\n

\"LeedsPhoto by George Wood\/Getty Images <\/p>\n

MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES<\/p>\n

Guilavogui says Daniel Farke tried to sign him at Norwich City<\/p>\n

Interestingly, Guilavogui also reveals how Farke had tried to sign him before \u2013 while Norwich manager. However, the veteran midfielder explains that a move never materialised as he was Wolfsburg captain.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe coach knows me, because I played against him a few times. He wanted me when he was at Norwich who had just been promoted, but I was the captain at Wolfsburg. He told me there was no chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

It will be interesting to see where Guilavogui ends up next, but it is easy to imagine him back in France. Indeed, reports in January said fellow Red Bull club Paris actually wanted to sign Guilavogui<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n