They are not willing to let him go for cheap this summer. Leeds United have already turned down bids for one of their key players this summer as they prepare for a fire sale, according to reports.
Leeds Championship Promotion Pain
Daniel Farke’s side missed out on promotion after losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship play-off final last month, and a big squad overhaul is likely as a result.
The Yorkshire club must now raise finances, perhaps up to £100 million, through player sales this summer before considering any signings.
Crysencio Summerville, the Championship’s player of the season, is certain to move amid Premier League interest, while Wilfried Gnonto and Archie Gray will also be in demand. However, not everyone will be allowed to leave.
Ilia Gruev Transfer Update
Leeds have already rejected bids for one of their midfielders this summer, according to reports. The player in question is Ilia Gruev, the 2023 signing.
The Bulgarian joined Leeds barely a year ago and had a difficult start to his career, appearing in only two games before Christmas.
Despite this, in the early stages of the season, Farke went out of his way to praise his summer signing’s work ethic and professionalism, explaining:
“He is always solid, dependable, and plays in possession with very few mistakes.” He is good on the ball, disciplined, professional, and has an excellent work ethic. If you’re like this on the pitch, imagine how he is off the pitch. He was modest, humble, hardworking, and patient right from the start.
But Gruev’s influence rose in the team, and he became a regular in the midfield during the second part of the season, to the point where Farke lamented an injury he sustained in March.
“Ilia is vital for our rhythm, sometimes to slow the game down or sweep it up. He is accurate and has excellent passing ability. “He’s tidy on the ball and wants to have it under pressure,” the Leeds manager said.
Now, he is in high demand, with Sky Sports Germany, as reported by FLW, stating that the club has already turned down proposals from Premier League clubs for the 24-year-old, who has three years left on his £15,000-a-week contract in Yorkshire.
Though Leeds wish to keep the Bulgarian midfielder, Borussia Dortmund is apparently keeping a close eye on him, with their head scout being present in the play-off final. They are not alone, as Dortmund is one of “a number of Bundesliga clubs” keeping an eye on the midfielder, with Premier League interest as well.
There is no release clause in his Elland Road contract, but it is said that Leeds are “willing to talk” for a particular cost, albeit no amount is specified. For the time being, Leeds fans will be hopeful that Gruev can stay put this summer and help the club push for promotion next season.
