Leeds United’s search for a free agent continues despite Josuha Guilavogui being spotted at Elland Road during their 2-0 win over Sheffield United.

Manager Daniel Farke has been evaluating potential signings for nearly three weeks, but the right candidate has yet to emerge. Leeds are in need of an experienced holding midfielder to serve as backup to Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka, who have become the first-choice duo following long-term injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.

While Rothwell and Tanaka impressed in the victory over Sheffield, an injury to either would leave Farke with limited options.

Josuha Guilavogui, Cheikhou Kouyate, and Christoph Kramer have all been linked with Leeds United’s search for a holding midfielder, with Guilavogui even spotted taking a picture with a fan at Elland Road during Friday’s 2-0 victory over Sheffield United. The club is actively considering these experienced players as potential options to bolster their midfield depth amidst ongoing injuries.

Leeds United Set Sights on Francis Coquelin Amidst Guilavogui Uncertainty

As days pass since Josuha Guilavogui’s appearance at Elland Road, the lack of a signing indicates that Leeds United have yet to make a final decision on their midfield target. In his pre-Watford press conference, manager Daniel Farke revealed that a decision could be made by the end of next week, although he hinted it might come even sooner.

Now, in a surprising twist to their search, journalist Nacho Sanchis reports that Francis Coquelin is on his way to Thorp Arch for a ‘trial’. This development suggests Leeds are exploring multiple options to strengthen their squad as they navigate through injury concerns.

While it was reported last week that Francis Coquelin might be in the mix for Leeds United, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth refuted those claims. According to Nacho Sanchis, Coquelin has been training with Spanish fourth-tier side UD Alzira to maintain his fitness after his summer release from Villarreal, where he made 22 appearances last season.

Now, Coquelin is reportedly ‘ready’ to prove himself at a bigger club, and Leeds United appears to be weighing the possibility of offering him that chance. As they continue to search for an experienced holding midfielder, Coquelin could provide the depth and quality they need in light of ongoing injuries in their squad.

Every Word Farke Said on Leeds’ Free Agent Search

Daniel Farke acknowledged that one potential drawback to signing Francis Coquelin is his lack of experience playing at center-back. With Leeds United facing depth issues in that position, Farke expressed concern about the current situation. Joe Rodon is just one booking away from suspension, while Max Wober and Ethan Ampadu remain sidelined with injuries. The squad is perilously close to a crisis if another player goes down.

However, Farke mentioned earlier this week that Leeds are ‘closer’ to making a decision regarding their free agent search. If Coquelin has indeed been invited to Thorp Arch, it suggests that Leeds may be considering him as a viable option to strengthen their midfield, even as they navigate their defensive challenges.

Farke stated, “Yes, a little bit closer. Like I mentioned, latest by the end of next week we’ll have a decision made in any direction, but it can also happen quickly. Let’s see what happens in the next few weeks.” This suggests that Leeds United is actively moving toward finalizing their free agent search, with potential signings possibly materializing sooner than expected. Fans will be eager to see how this unfolds in the coming days as the club looks to bolster its squad amidst ongoing injury concerns.