Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Wed 11 March 2026 13:10, UK

Ilia Gruev has played a bit-part role for Leeds United in the Premier League this season.

The Bulgaria international played a key role in securing promotion from the Championship alongside Ethan Ampadu in midfield.

The skipper has remained in the side where possible, but the 25-year-old has been seen less having started just 15 Premier League games.

When available, Daniel Farke has consistently utilised the midfielder despite mixed reviews, while his situation in LS11 remains up in the air.

With Gruev potentially assessing an exit from Leeds, MOT Leeds News has rounded up everything we know about his contract.

What is Ilia Gruev’s contract situation at Leeds United?

There have been some positive performances from the former Werder Bremen man this campaign, and he certainly has a role to play in Yorkshire.

That is just as well because he is still under contract from his move three years ago when the Bulgarian signed at Elland Road in 2023.

Gruev put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Whites, something which will keep him tied down in LS11 until the summer of 2027.

Reports suggest that he is paid £15,000 per week as part of that deal, with a yearly salary in the region of £780,000 being paid to the midfielder.

With just over a year remaining on his contract, there will be questions over Gruev’s future and the potential of a new deal at Elland Road.

When could Gruev leave Leeds?

There is going to be 12 months left on the 25-year-old’s contract when the summer window opens, which could raise interest.

That length of time on his deal will hand any other side the chance to agree a cut-price deal else Leeds risk losing him for free at the end of next season.

That could see an exit route open up in the upcoming summer window or even in 2027, unless he is to sign to new terms.

A fresh contract with increased wages could keep him around, but it will ultimately come down to his own preference after a potentially frustrating season.

Having started just 15 Premier League games of a possible 29, it will be an interesting period for Gruev and his future at Elland Road.