Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev

Ilia Gruev still in Germany after Leeds United tour ended days ago

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

31 Jul 2024, 7:46 am

Ilia Gruev has been spotted still in Germany despite Leeds United ending their pre-season tour on Monday (29 July).

Daniel Farke's squad returned to the UK on Monday following two friendly fixtures against Hannover 96 and Schalke 04 [Yorkshire Evening Post], but it appears one player has remained in Germany.

Posting via his Instagram story on Wednesday (31 July) Gruev uploaded an image of a lake in Hamburg, suggesting that the Bulgarian did not return to West Yorkshire with the rest of the squad.

With another friendly fixture on the horizon, facing Valencia at Elland Road on Saturday 3 August, Farke will be keen to have a full squad as they approach the opening game of the Championship campaign.

Ilia Gruev spotted in Germany after Leeds United squad returns

Some of the more concerned fans will connect the 23-year-old still being in Germany with the Borussia Dortmund transfer links earlier in the summer window.

Leeds were ready and willing to discuss Gruev's departure at the beginning of June, according to Sky Sports Germany [4 June], with the Bundesliga giants among the clubs interested in his signature.

Few updates have emerged on the midfielder's future since, the transfer trail going quiet, but this social media post could spark a wildfire if his absence from the squad is not addressed soon.

Following the exits of both Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, the Whites cannot afford to lose another midfielder, especially one who became such a vital part of Leeds' squad in the second half of the season.

He even scored a brilliant goal in Leeds' 4-0 romping of Norwich City in the Championship play-off semi-final before narrowly missing out to Southampton in the final at Wembley Stadium.

If Farke wants to gain promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking, Gruev's involvement could be very important in the middle of the park, which is why this innocent post could worry many fans.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites have tabled a new Gabriel Sara bid, with Norwich City making new demands.

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Ilia Gruev