How Josuha Guilavogui helped Leeds United to sign Lukas Nmecha | OneFootball

New Leeds United signing Lukas Nmecha has revealed the role Josuha Guilavogui played in his move to Elland Road.

New Leeds United signing Lukas Nmecha has revealed that former Wolfsburg team-mate Josuha Guilavogui helped to convince him to make the move to Elland Road.

Leeds are preparing for life back in the Premier League following a two-year absence after winning the Championship title last season, with Daniel Farke's side accumulating an impressive total of 100 points during the course of the campaign.

The Whites completed their first signing of the summer on Sunday as they confirmed the arrival of forward Lukas Nmecha, who has joined the club on a free transfer after departing Bundesliga side Wolfsburg at the end of his contract.

Nmecha is no stranger to English football having come through the Manchester City academy, while he also had disappointing loan spells in the Championship with Preston North End and Middlesbrough, but his career thrived after making a permanent move to Wolfsburg in the summer of 2021.

The seven-cap German international may be Leeds' first signing of the summer, but the club are believed to be targeting further reinforcements in the forward areas, while they have also agreed a deal to sign Udinese defender Jaka Bijol for €22 million (£18.7 million).

Lukas Nmecha reveals Josuha Guilavogui role in Leeds United move

After his move to Elland Road was announced, Nmecha revealed that Farke's style of play was a big factor in his decision to join Leeds, and he expressed his excitement about the upcoming season.

"It's just a great challenge and I'm really excited to get to know the team," Nmecha told the club's official website.

"I've spoken with the manager many times and I'm excited to play that style of football that they played in the Championship, even in the Premier League.

"I saw that there was dominance last season in terms of possession and the goals. I'm an attacking player, so obviously that's exciting for me.

"Of course, in the Premier League, there's some big boys in there where you can't play like that all the time, but I think the idea of the manager is to play good football, possession football, and that's what I'm used to and what I love doing.

"I wish we could get going now, but we still have a few weeks of pre-pre-season, getting the runs in and all that! But, I just can't wait to start training now."

However, Farke was not the only influence on Nmecha, with the forward admitting that Guilavogui, who made 18 appearances for the Whites last season during their promotion-winning campaign, also helped to sell the club to him.

"I've got some people that have been here, like Joss, who I've played with and he told me about the atmosphere and the fans," Nmecha explained.

"I trust Joss. He's one of the nicest guys in football. He said it's a massive club and if I get the opportunity, I should definitely do it. He said the fans are crazy and the boys are great as well. So yeah, he gave a really good first impression."

Guilavogui spent two years playing alongside Nmecha at Wolfsburg, and he was one of the first to welcome his former team-mate to Leeds, writing on X: "Welcome to the MOT family".

While Guilavogui did not make a single start in the league for Leeds last season, he often came off the bench in the closing stages as Farke's men looked to see a game out, and he became a popular figure at Elland Road.

Guilavogui may have been released by the Whites at the end of his contract this summer, but he still holds plenty of affection for his former club, and his glowing recommendation seems to have played a big part in Nmecha's decision.

Nmecha only scored three goals in 20 appearances during an injury-disrupted campaign for Wolfsburg last season, but his overall record at the Volkswagen Arena suggests that he could be an asset for Leeds in the Premier League, and supporters will be hoping for some more high-profile additions over the coming months.