Leeds United are holding firm, while Borussia Dortmund are chasing Ilia Gruev

VaselineJune 4, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Leeds United are holding firm, while Borussia Dortmund are chasing Ilia Gruev

Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev is the subject of long-term interest from Borussia Dortmund, according to Sky Sports Germany.

Leeds United signed Bulgarian midfielder Gruev last summer, bringing him in permanently from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.

In his maiden season with the Albi, the 24-year-old played 35 times in all competitions, chipping in with a goal and an assist from defensive midfield along the way.

Image courtesy: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.

Leeds united, Borussia Dortmund among admirers of the 24-year-old Leeds United star — Image courtesy: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.

It is well documented that sales are needed at Elland Road this summer. Some big assets such as Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray could fetch big fees, but reports now claim that Gruev is attracting a lot of interest.

Reports from Sky Sports Germany claim that Gruev is wanted by several clubs back in the Bundesliga.

Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund are among his admirers, who have had a long-term interest, and the key figure was Sven Mislintat’s presence when Leeds United were beaten in the play-off final.

Leeds, despite needing to raise funds, are looking to keep hold of Gruev and do not want to sell him. However, their hand could be forced for the right amount.

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THE QUIZ STARTS!

Gruev’s first season

Gruev’s first season of Championship football was an interesting one as it took him until 2024 to find a place in Daniel Farke’s starting XI.

Only Ethan Ampadu’s move to centre-back paved the way for Gruev to lock down his places in midfield alongside Glen Kamara. From there, it was almost always present.

An ankle injury kept him out for two games around Easter, but Gruev otherwise started every league game from January 13 until the end of the season. He also started all three play-off games.

Interest from a club in Dortmund’s profile is certainly appealing and their long-term admiration suggests they could look to make a concrete move, capitalizing on the Whites’ need to sell.

One of the most replaceable assets?

There is bound to be a lot of interest in Leeds United’s standout performers, but they will also be determined to keep a few key men. With that in mind, one might think that a departure for someone like Gruev would be more appealing.

With the 16-time Bulgarian international starting just one league game in 2023, he could be easier to replace than a big name like Gray, Summerville or Georginio Rutter, for example.

He has a long-term contract at Elland Road and in an ideal world, Gruev can continue to grow under Farke and co, who have made great strides this year.

However, unfortunately for whites, this is not an ideal world and they have to sell. If the right offer comes along for Gruev, cashing in may not be the worst idea.

VaselineJune 4, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev is the subject of long-term interest from Borussia Dortmund, according to Sky Sports Germany.

Who is this?

Gruev’s first season

One of the most replaceable assets?

Vaseline

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