Don Goodman issues advice to Leeds United over Ilia Gruev sale amid £15m development
Don Goodman has urged Leeds United to resist any offers that come in for midfielder Ilia Gruev amid links with Borussia Dortmund.
The Bulgaria international had a positive first campaign at Elland Road after properly breaking into the team around the turn of the year.
Dortmund are said to be showing an interest in Gruev, with TEAMtalk reporting on 7 June that Leeds are looking for a fee of around £15million.
Goodman can understand why the 24-year-old is attracting interest from a European heavyweight, but believes Leeds should keep hold of him.
“I’m not surprised by that in terms of what he’s delivered for Leeds,” Goodman told MOT Leeds News. “When he broke into the team properly he was excellent – one of the players that could control the tempo for Leeds.
“If you’re a club looking at those batch of games in which he produced high-quality performances and high-quality passing, as well as mopping things up in front of defence, then you’re seeing a very good player.
“He’s a player with pedigree so it’s not a surprise to see a team like Borussia Dortmund, who are forever looking to sign players for bargain prices and develop them, show an interest. But if I was Leeds United, I’d be resisting that offer.”
Ilia Gruev can play key part for Leeds United in 2024-25
This summer’s transfer window was always expected to be a busy one for Leeds, and so that has proved so far.
Many players have moved on, the biggest name being Archie Gray, and now focus will slowly turn to bringing in replacements.
In Gruev, Leeds have a player with a year’s experience of English football now under his belt and a player who is clearly only going to improve.
The Bulgarian may have dropped off towards the ends of the campaign, but the same was true of every Leeds United player.
If Gruev was to be sold, it will be tough finding a replacement who can slot straight in. The club must therefore keep hold and hope the midfielder pushes on next season.
In other Leeds United news, the entourage of a Whites player believe an Elland Road exit is imminent.
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