Leeds United are planning to heavily strengthen in midfield this summer as the 49ers are making moves.
Leeds’ current central midfield options are lacking, as Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka will no doubt need competition next season.
Both players played their part in Daniel Farke’s side getting into the Premier League, but the standard is about to reach a whole new level.
Leeds are closing in on Sean Longstaff as another option in the middle of the park, whilst Anton Stach is also ‘considering’ a move to Elland Road.
This leaves Gruev potentially worrying about his place in the squad after his future has been put into doubt, but his true feelings give a new outlook on the situation at hand for the Bulgarian.
Ilia Gruev during Leeds' win v Preston.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Ilia Gruev’s feelings on midfield overhaul at Leeds United
It seemed like this was always going to be the case, but that’s no criticism on Gruev’s behalf.
The 25-year-old has proven to be a reliable option for Farke, and the Leeds boss will no doubt still want to retain him going into the Premier League.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Gruev’s dream is to play in the Premier League, so it’s unlikely he himself would look to force a move.
However, with the addition of Stach and Longstaff, there is every chance that Gruev will see minimal minutes.
This might give the Bulgarian no choice in terms of what he needs to do, but after what TEAMtalk reported in April, this will suggest otherwise.
It was said that if Leeds do go up, competition for places may be even harder, with midfield signings a ‘possibility’ which is now becoming a reality.
But it seems Gruev wanted to take that challenge head-on in a bid to become a first-team regular, and it’s clear Gruev won’t be giving up easily.
READ MORE: Everton’s plans for Jack Harrison revealed as Leeds United look to cash in
If Leeds sign another midfielder Gruev might have his hand forced
Although the situation doesn’t look too bleak for the Bulgarian right now, it could soon look that way.
With Stach and Longstaff looking pretty nailed on to sign, this doesn’t mean Farke and the 49ers will stop this overhaul.
Another midfielder could likely come in, and with Tanaka ahead of Gruev in the pecking order, this could see the 25-year-old slip to fifth choice, and someone like Stach coming in spells trouble for Gruev.
Ilia Gruev in 24/25 league season Anton Stach in 24/25 league season
Games played 23 30
Tackles won % 60.5% 69.7%
Duels won per 90 3.70 5.84
Interceptions 19 46
Passing accuracy % 90.7% 83.4%
But Leeds will have to tread carefully as Gruev was called a future Champions League winner, which means the owners might not want to let go of him just yet.
The best option if this other midfielder is signed is likely a loan spell, and then it’s up to Gruev to show Farke was wrong to improve the midfield situation.