Leeds United owe explanation as Ilia Gruev work visa issue goes unanswered
Leeds United owe an explanation regarding new signing Ilia Gruev’s as visa issues have left fans in the dark about his availability to the club.
Speaking ahead of the disappointing Sheffield Wednesday draw, Daniel Farke was vague regarding Gruev’s visa application. The German said, as quoted by LeedsLive (1 September): “With Ilia, it’s a bit more complicated because he had a visa appointment in order to have this, so not sure if it arrives in time.”
The Athletic’s Phil Hay revealed (1 September) that the Whites were in a race against time to register the Bulgarian on deadline day, a race they seemingly lost.
While the summer window has been productive for Leeds United, it is disappointing to see a new exciting player join the club and be unaware of when he will be available to Farke.
Despite being announced, Gruev did not make the bench against Sheffield Wednesday, causing many to question when he may be integrated into the side as he cannot even train until a work permit is obtained.
The 23-year-old could be a really exciting addition to the side and could help Leeds with their continuing defensive issues. For Werder Bremen last season in the Bundesliga, Gruev was all over the pitch in his 31 appearances, holding possession in very deep, very advanced and, most prominently, around the halfway line.
As a defensive midfielder by trade, he is adept at keeping possession and passing the ball into key areas. Last season, he was only dribbled past on average 0.4 times per game, while his 87% pass accuracy reflects his ability to keep the midfield ticking. [SofaScore]
The Championship is also a step down, quality-wise, from the English second division so he could truly thrive in the Championship under Farke.
Farke noted Gruev’s influence himself when he said: “Naturally, perhaps Ilia is a bit more like the holding midfielder who holds the position and covers the space more like with his passing and reads the game.”
However, we still do not know when he will make his debut for the club due to visa issues. A player of his quality will be very useful to the side, and with form slowly dipping again, fans will be very eager to see him play.
The club must communicate with the fanbase and provide an explanation as to when Gruev will be made available to the squad.
In other Leeds United news, a Premier League boss has shared his verdict on a Whites loanee.