Ilia Gruev exit: Leeds receive approaches to sell Bulgaria star in summer
Leeds United’s Ilia Gruev has had difficulty getting into the starting lineup this season.
The midfielder from Bulgaria has suffered from injuries and has slipped behind players like Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka in the hierarchy.
Due to Daniel Farke giving him 16 league starts, he has only been able to make 19 Championship outings this season.
It appears like the Whites will be promoted to the Premier League, and Gruev may not be needed based on the changes made to the Elland Road team.
Gruev looks set to stay at Leeds
If the Peacocks get promoted, Gruev appears to be staying in Yorkshire despite the possibility of more competition in the engine room.
Several clubs have reportedly contacted Farke’s team to ask about the 24-year-old’s services, according to a report from TEAMtalk on April 16.
But if Leeds become a top-flight team the next season, the Bulgarian international will not entertain any offers, according to the report.
According to the story, the only situation in which he would be open to leaving is if the Whites are not promoted, which now seems doubtful.
Leeds can use Gruev next season
Gruev appears to be willing to take on the task of competing for a spot on the squad rather than leaving for regular first-team action.
When healthy enough to play, he has proven to be a highly capable player, therefore the Whites can use his skills in the top division.
| Stats (Championship) | Gruev |
| Matches | 19 |
| Starts | 16 |
| Pass Accuracy | 90.1% |
| Ground duels won | 56 (50.9%) |
| Minutes played | 1341 |
His influence will be vital as Leeds strives to return to the top division. Liam Cooper recently referred to him as the “Bulgarian Busquets” following the team’s 2-1 victory over Preston on April 12.
With just four games remaining, the Whites are leading the Championship table after three games against teams in the bottom half and one against Bristol City, who are vying for a spot in the playoffs (April 28).
The fact that Burnley and Sheffield United must still face one another might also help them because at least one of their competitors for promotion will steal points from the other.
Farke’s squad appears to have recovered from their recent slump and is poised to make a major comeback for the first time since the 2022–2023 season; they only need to remain composed in the coming weeks.
