Leeds United are expected to receive interest in midfielder Ilia Gruev from several Bundesliga clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, this summer.
However, the club may be hesitant to sell the 24-year-old Bulgarian international due to his impressive performances and importance to the team.
Gruev joined Leeds United from Werder Bremen for a mere £4million last summer and has since become a trusted option for manager Daniel Farke.
Despite a slow start to his Leeds career, Gruev broke into the team in January and played a crucial role in the club’s 15-game unbeaten league run. Farke has been full of praise for Gruev, hailing him as one of the most professional players he has ever worked with.
While Leeds United may be tempted to cash in on Gruev and make a profit, Farke’s opinion on the matter is likely to hold significant weight. The manager has been impressed by Gruev’s work ethic, discipline, and ability to influence games at Championship level.
Moreover, Gruev’s resilience in the face of limited minutes earlier in the season has demonstrated his strong mentality, which aligns with Farke’s values.
Leeds United’s financial issues and need for defensive reinforcements may also impact the decision on Gruev’s future. However, with Farke’s endorsement and Gruev’s impressive performances, the club may be inclined to keep him at Elland Road.
Ultimately, the decision-makers at Leeds United will need to weigh up the pros and cons of selling Gruev, but Farke’s influence may be enough to stave off interest from other clubs.