Kicker Report: Guilavogui's potential move to Stuttgart hits double-snag
George Moissidis of Germany's preeminent footballing publication reports that VfB Stuttgart's pursuit of former VfL Wolfsburg captain Joshua Guilavogui may not pan out due to financial sacrifices required by both club and player.
It has already been reported that new VfB Stuttgart trainer Bruno Labbadia has an ideal candidate in mind in his search for further midfield stability. The former VfL Wolfsburg trainer wants the French veteran he once named captain whilst in charge of Germany's green company team. Joshua Guilavogui, no longer Wolfsburg's captain since the summer of 2021, should be available for a switch.
As George Moissidis of Germany's Kicker magazine writes, however, Wolfsburg still want to obtain market value for the 32-year-old this January. Guilavogui - still valued at an estimated €3 million in the latest transfermarkt listings - has made 12 appearances across all competitions for the club this season. He netted a league tally for die Wölfe on matchday one.
Wolfsburg reportedly have no plans to extend Guilavogui's expiring contract, but are not necessarily keen on giving the player his outright release. According to Moissidis, this is precisely what new Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth is asking for. Guilavogui himself will also have to take a pay cut when signing new working papers in Swabia.
Ongoing negotiations between Guilavogui and the two clubs could still produce something, especially given that Labbadia seems determined to get back one of his better performers after failing to convince Hertha to acquire the Frenchman during his failed stint in the capital city.
Moissidis writes that, should a deal for Guilavogui fall through, the new coaching/managerial team will seek a similar player with proven experience in defensive midfield during the coming transfer window.