Daniel Farke’s treatment of Ilia Gruev to blame if transfer of £3m star goes through at Leeds United
Leeds United could turn on Daniel Fakre if his continued backing of Ilia Gruev ends in a sale.
Performances in recent months have helped Farke avoid the sack at Leeds, something which looked ominous earlier in the campaign.
Farke is riding high right now after Leeds secured victories against Fulham and Derby County in his last two outings.
The German has gotten the best out of various players in his 5-3-2 set-up, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in particular thriving at Leeds right now.
That may have worked for the striker, and Gruev has also benefited from the system, but it could result in a big-name sale before the end of the January transfer window.
Daniel Farke continues to start Ilia Gruev
Gruev has been far from excellent for Leeds at times this season, but has still been backed to start on a weekly basis recently.
The fewest minutes the Bulgaria international has featured in a game since the turn of the year is 73, proving his regularity in LS11 so far in 2026.
Despite featuring across five matches in all competitions in this calendar year, the midfielder has provided just one assist and is yet to score.
That hasn’t halted Farke from starting him regularly for the Whites, a decision which has raised questions at times in recent weeks.
Concerns will only take a step up at Elland Road in the final days of the January window should Ao Tanaka make a move away.
Ao Tanaka could be sold because of Gruev at Leeds United
There is a threat that Leeds could lose Tanaka this winter, with Galatasaray showcasing an interest in his signature right now.
Turkish outlet Fanatik reported Gala’s interest on Monday, with the Japan international named on their list of targets for the January window.
That doesn’t come as a surprise, given how good the 27-year-old has performed when given the chance, despite being limited to just seven Premier League starts this season.
The man signed from Dusseldorf for £3.3million would likely welcome a move away if his minutes don’t step up, especially with Gruev featuring ahead of him so regularly.
If Tanaka were to force an exit from Yorkshire in the coming days, Farke would only have himself to blame.
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