Ilia Gruev
(Credit:Imago)
Carla Devine
Tue 17 June 2025 17:10, UK
Ilia Gruev made 23 Championship appearances for Leeds United last season, although he failed to perform at a consistent level.
After achieving promotion to the Premier League as champions, Daniel Farke is now looking at upgrading his squad in preparation for what will no doubt be a relegation battle.
With that in mind, there will be some members of the current squad who fall out of favour, and a new transfer development suggests that Gruev could fall victim to that.
Daniel Farke
Farke has a busy summer ahead. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds want Noah Sadiki
With PSR restrictions to think about, Leeds are looking at foreign markets to their advantage this summer and have identified Noah Sadiki from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise as a target.
The 20-year-old had a massive part to play in his side winning their first league title since 1935 as he made 39 Belgian Pro-League appearances.
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The youngster has also earned nine caps for the Democratic Republic of Congo as a result of his impressive form.
Although it had previously been reported that Leeds had made a bid for the player, it has since emerged that those claims were jumping the gun.
Nevertheless, Farke’s men do hold an interest in the versatile defensive midfielder as he looks to bolster his midfield options ahead of life in the Premier League.
Elland Road
There could be several changes at Elland Road this summer. (Credit: Imago)
Gruev may have to move on from Leeds
Having performed inconsistently at times this season, it is unlikely that Gruev will be a starting player for Farke next season, fighting injury too.
With Ethan Ampadu in the ranks, he is likely to be the preferred option in a defensive midfield position, alongside Ao Tanaka and another new face.
Therefore, if Sadiki were to make the move to Elland Road, it would surely push Gruev further down the pecking order.
Player Appearances Goals Assists
Gruev 23 0 2
Sidiki 39 1 3
Sidiki could be an upgrade for Farke this summer.
The 20-year-old has shown plenty of promise already and given that he is playing regularly in Belgium, he would surely not be willing to make the move to somewhere that wasn’t promising regular minutes.
The German manager has to be prepared to make some big calls this summer to make sure his side are in shape for the top flight, and going for someone who could grow into the team may be a more sensible option.
If Gruev is looking to get regular minutes, he will surely be ready to leave Leeds this summer and allow all parties to move on.
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