1. FSV Mainz 05 have reacted to the absence of Andreas Hanche-Olsen and signed Josuha Guilavogui. The 33-year-old, who has mainly played on the back six in his career, is expected to play in defence. “Josuha is a trained central defender, with his signing we were able to react to the injury of Andreas Hanche-Olsen,” Mainz sporting director Martin Schmidt was quoted as saying in a club statement.
Schmidt, who knows Guilavogui from their time together at Wolfsburg and, according to the player, had made the contact, went on to explain that the seven-time France international is “a great personality”. Not only on the pitch: “He has been captaining for many years and led Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, Champions League and Europa League, speaks many languages and is also an open and cordial person who will certainly arrive quickly in our dressing room and in Mainz.”
One-year contract plus option
At Mainz, Guilavogui, who was on a free transfer after the end of his contract with VfL in the summer and had previously played for Girondins Bordeaux on loan for six months at the beginning of 2022, has signed a one-year contract “with an option for another year”. kicker research into a “L’Equipe” report regarding the signing was therefore confirmed.
Mainz coach Bo Svensson is happy to have signed the Bundesliga-experienced player (207 games, nine goals), “who is also an outstanding guy and absolute leader. In addition to his sporting qualities, which he has demonstrated over many years in the Bundesliga and internationally, he is also a top addition to our team with his commitment and leadership mentality, especially in this difficult phase.” Mainz are bottom of the table with just one point after five matchdays.
I love to defend, and that’s what I came for.
“We have similar ideas about football and what I can give to the team,” Guilavogui said of Svensson. “I love defending, and that’s what I came for. Now I want to work my way into the team as quickly as possible through team training and help with my experience.”
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